West Ham sign Norway midfielder Nordtveit

English football club West Ham United on Monday announced the signing of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit on a five-year contract.

"West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Norway international midfielder Havard Nordtveit will join the club on a free transfer on July 1," West Ham said in a statement.

The Borussia Moenchengladbach player will leave the German side upon the expiration of his contract, with the Hammers having beaten off competition from several top European outfits to land the 25-year-old.

Nordtveit returns to London six years after leaving Arsenal to join Monchengladbach.

"It has always been a dream for me to play in the Premier League and now I have a big opportunity to do that for West Ham -- I cannot wait to start," he told the West Ham website.

"This team has something special, a spirit in the team that I can fit into. I will work hard and hopefully I can get some good moments at this club.

"I'm a player who can play many roles on the pitch, but I'm from Norway so maybe a little bit more running, tackles and try to spread a few balls around me.

"I'm looking forward to showing what I can do, but hopefully I have something to help West Ham achieve even more."

This past season, Nordtveit showed his versatility by playing as a centre-half and central midfielder during Moenchengladbach's impressive campaign, which saw them finish fourth in the Bundesliga, despite losing their opening five league matches.

Nordtveit has also featured prominently for his country, earning 28 caps and scoring two goals since making his debut for Norway in 2011.

--IANS

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