West Ham youngster Grady Diangana has been given a new two-year contract by the club.
The 20-year-old winger, who has been with the Hammers since the age of 10, impressed for the Under-23s last season and was included in the first-team squad for the FA Cup tie at Wigan Athletic in January and Premier League games against Southampton and Chelsea.
Diangana told the club website: “I’m very, very happy [to sign the new contract]. I’ve been here for such a long time, ever since I was ten, so to be given an extended contract is a step closer to what I’m dreaming of.
“From the age of 16 onwards it gets tougher, the level you need to be at is higher and it shows that I’m on the right path by getting a new contract.
“Personally, last season had a lot of achievements in it – getting on the bench for the first team and experiencing the atmosphere of a Premier League game was like something I can’t describe. It was very nice.
“The coaches like Terry Westley and Liam Manning have helped a lot with my development. They brought in the Individual Development Plan for us and that really helps me focus on what I need to work on.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into pre-season. There is a new manager here and it’s a new opportunity and I’ll come back giving my all and hopefully be in his plans.”
Diangana is keen to follow in the footsteps of Declan Rice, who established himself in the hammers side last season.
He said: “When Declan was with us in the Under-23s, you could see what he was doing, the manner in that he was applying himself and what he was giving to the team.
“If you can try and emulate that you will become a better player and seeing him come through is a big inspiration.”