West Ham have confirmed the signing of teenager Ravel Morrison from Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old, considered to be one of the Red Devils' finest Academy products in recent years, has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers.

Speaking to West Ham's official website, England Under-18 international Morrison said: "I'm really pleased to have signed. The move has happened very quickly and I'm looking forward to hopefully moving up to the Premier League with West Ham soon."

He added: "I'm an attacking player and I'm hoping to get the fans on their feet. I met with Sam Allardyce this morning and he welcomed me to the club.

"I also played with Robert Hall in the England team and I know him well so that will be really helpful to have someone here that I know."

Morrison's contract was due to expire in the summer and the teenager had been offered an extension by the Old Trafford outfit.

However, United were also willing to sell the player now rather than risk losing him to a fee that would be decided by a tribunal in the summer.

The youngster - who will be 19 on Thursday - has been mired in controversy throughout his fledgling career and there are some on the Red Devils staff who believe his huge potential will never be fulfilled.

In another move Sir Alex Ferguson's men have raided local rivals Manchester City to bring teenage defender Frederic Veseli to Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old, a Switzerland Under-20 international, joined City in 2008 from Lausanne Sport and will initially join up with United's reserve side.