Bowyer has signed a six-month deal at Upton Park and is in line to make his Hammers' debut against Newcastle on Saturday.

West Ham paid Leeds �100,000 for the 26-year-old's services.

The England international's �9m proposed summer move to Liverpool broke down because of his wage demands.

He agreed personal terms with the Hammers and passed a medical on Tuesday.

I am following my heart Lee Bowyer

"It is the team I support and that is why I have come here," Bowyer told the club's official website.

"I said when I was to leave Leeds it was going to take something special - and there is nothing more special than to come to the team you have supported as a kid.

"I can't be any happier than I am at the moment.

"I am back with family and friends to play with the club I supported as a kid and I am going to try and help us avoid relegation.

"I think it is a good challenge and I wouldn't like to see the club go down so if I have got the chance to come here and help in any way I can I am going to do it - I am following my heart."

Bowyer's move comes on the same day he was handed a six-match ban by Uefa following his stamp on Malaga midfielder Gerardo during a UEFA Cup tie in December.

The midfielder refused to sign a new contract at Elland Road.

West Ham's offer of a contract is thought to include a �1m bonus payment if he helps the club he supported as a boy to stay in the Premiership.

Leeds were keen to offload Bowyer for any fee rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.

HOW DEAL MIGHT WORK

Bowyer gets: Leeds wages paid by West Ham plus �1m bonus if club stays up; free agent at end of season Leeds get: �300,000 from West Ham now, bonus if club stays up, wages off pay-roll West Ham get: Proven star without risk of paying Premiership wages next season if they go down

Profile: Lee Bowyer

The Yorkshire club even worked out a deal with the player for the repayment of money he owes them for legal fees which were covered during his high-profile trial.

Hammers legend Trevor Brooking believes it is a good move for player and club.

The former England international midfielder told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Lee has had a pretty torrid couple of years and his form has dipped this year.

"Playing-wise he should be at the very top because he's got confidence in his ability.

"He should be enjoying the fruits of his talents - but he's got to concentrate 100% on the pitch and in the right way.

"Aggression is part of his game - but he must realise it's got to be channelled in the right way because if not it will be caught by a camera."

Bowyer's agent David Giess refused to give any details of the contract and said: "Lee had many lucrative offers from other clubs.

"But felt he'd like to do something for West Ham and agreed to come and join them.

"He supports the club and is glad to be back in east London.

"Lee obviously had regrets leaving Leeds. He had some particularly happy times there and wants to thank the Leeds fans.

"He is looking forward to training tomorrow - and a new chapter in his life.