West Ham land Craig Bellamy

Alan Curbishley has broken West Ham United's transfer record to land Wales captain Craig Bellamy.

The Hammers have agreed to pay Liverpool £7.5 million to secure the services of the 27-year-old hitman, who only moved to Anfield from Blackburn Rovers last year.

Bellamy joins midfielders Scott Parker and Julien Faubert and goalkeeper Richard Wright in joining the east Londoners this summer.

And the Welshman's price tag takes Curbishley's spending since he succeeded Alan Pardew in the Upton Park hotseat last December to almost £40 million.

Bellamy told West Ham's official website: "I had a great experience at Liverpool and I believe West Ham will benefit this year, because I know I am a better player for it.

"I've signed a five-year contract here and I will be here for the long term. I've moved around a bit in recent years and now I want to settle."

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic have signed Wales midfielder Jason Koumas for £5.3 million from West Bromwich Albion.

The 27-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Latics, who will pay £4.6 million up front, and is looking forward to working with manager Chris Hutchings.

Koumas said: "After our first meeting I knew he was the man I wanted to play for. He has his own ideas and I was impressed with how he plans to set up his team.

"It is a great challenge being back in the Premiership. "When you get to my age you want to test yourself against the better players and teams.

"I am confident in my own ability and have nothing to prove. I am looking forward to showing what I can do. Wherever I have been settled and wherever I have played games I have done well."

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