Sunday 7 February 2016 10:45, UK
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admits he has high hopes for the club's latest recruit, Sam Byram, claiming he is 'a great buy' for the club.
The full-back has moved south from Leeds for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-and-a-half year contract after rejecting overtures from Everton.
Bilic said: "We're delighted to have signed Byram. He's a great buy for us. He's still young, he's English and he has a lot of experience.
"I like working with young, hungry players. I have been very honest with him about what I expect, and where we think he can improve. He's been on our radar for quite a while and we have very high hopes and expectations for him.
"We are still looking around for more players but we are not panicking, we are not desperate to do anything, I am happy."
Bilic also backed his opposite number on Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini, but is confident his side can complete a league double over the title chasers; West Ham won 2-1 at the Ethiad in September.
Speaking at the news conference ahead of the Sky Live match he said: "There's a lot of pressure for any manager of a top club, it comes with the territory. I think Pellegrini is handling it with ease. He is a very strong guy, mentally very tough. I have a lot of respect for him."
"We have beaten them already this season, I think they are better now, but we are confident and know what we can achieve.
"Apart from Carroll, Lanzini and Sakho we are healthy, so we are in a good position for a crucial part of the season.
"Joey O'Brien is back, he's had a lot setbacks so I am happy to see him fit. We will assess James Tomkins today also."
