Hammers sign Swiss keeper

West Ham have improved their goalkeeping options by signing Swiss youngster Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee.

Spiegel to provide cover for Jaaskelainen and Henderson

West Ham United have improved their goalkeeping options by signing Swiss youngster Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Spiegel has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club, with the option of a further year, and is due to link up with the Hammers later this week. The Switzerland Under 20 international has represented his country at various youth levels and is regarded as one of their leading prospects. He has previously featured for Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier of Swiss football and last season had a loan spell with second division club SC Bruhl SG. The 19-year-old will provide cover in Sam Allardyce's squad for senior keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson. Jaaskelainen joined West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers earlier in the summer, while Henderson finalised a permanent move after finishing last season on loan from Portsmouth.