Last updated on .From the section Football

West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m.

The 24-year-old, who can play centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two years.

"I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing them," he said.

Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.

Maiga for Mali Maiga has scored five times in 31 international appearances for Mali

"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here," he added.

"I know some of the big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier League."

Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies in January because of a problem with one of his knees.

Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.

He is the fifth summer signing at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame.

West Ham were promoted back to the Premier League after beating Blackpool in the Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's absence.