Managerless West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Uruguayan left-back Walter Lopez.

Lopez, 22, who has three caps for his national side, joined on a free transfer having decided to leave old club River Plate during the summer.

"Walter is a very attacking full-back who can get forward," caretaker manager Kevin Keen told the club's website.

Lopez said he watched the Premier League "all the time" and was "very happy (to) get to play for West Ham".

He is West Ham's fourth signing of the summer, joining Valon Behrami, Balint Bajner and loanee Jan Lastuvka.

Free agent status means he was able to join the club outside the transfer window, two days after Alan Curbishley resigned as West Ham boss.

606: DEBATE It seems like we are going the same way as everyone else by buying foreign players who most people have never heard of, rather than developing home grown talent hammered63

"Upton Park is a beautiful stadium and it will be great to play for West Ham. I am looking forward to it.

"It is a great club and there are some great players at the club. I know about many of them like Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. Everyone here has made me feel very welcome."