SAM Byram believes he is ready to tackle the next stage of his career against the best in the Premier League after completing a move to West Ham from Leeds United.

Byram, who was raised in York, has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Irons. The transfer fee was undisclosed but reported to be around £3.7million.

Leeds were also ready to sell to Everton but 22-year-old Byram, who was born in Essex and has family connections with the Hammers, is confident he made the right choice to help take his game to the next level challenging for a regular first-team place in Slaven Bilic's squad.

"I'm just looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward," said Byram, a former pupil at Ralph Butterfield Primary School, in Haxby, and Joseph Rowntree School, in New Earswick, who played for York City Schoolboys and Wigginton Grasshoppers before being snapped up by Leeds.

"It's a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so I just want to get my head down, work hard and hopefully get a chance.

"I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham. I think he's done unbelievably well with his team so far, so I'm really looking forward to working with him and his staff.

"My uncle and my cousin are big West Ham fans. It's nice to have them down here and they'll help me settle.

"I'm also really looking forward to seeing the new (Olympic) stadium in person. That was another big part in me wanting to come here. It's a massive part of the future of the club and I can't wait to see and hopefully play in it."

Byram moved to Yorkshire as a child before joining up with Leeds' Academy. The full-back, who can also play in a more advanced role on the right wing, came through the youth ranks at Elland Road to make his debut in the 2012/13 campaign.

He admits it was a difficult decision to leave and, in a post on his Twitter page, said: "From 10 years old and in the Academy, right up until now, I can honestly say it has been an absolute honour and privilege every time I have had the opportunity to pull on the Leeds United shirt.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Leeds for all that you have done to help me – the president, my managers, past and present, all the staff – I wish you all the very best going forward.

"Also a huge thank you to all the fans for all the support over the last four seasons, through all the ups and downs, it really has been appreciated.

"I want to wish the team the very best for the rest of the season, it's so hard saying bye to such a good group of lads and close friends."

West Ham had long tracked Byram and joint-chairman David Sullivan revealed that once Everton stepped up their interest, the Hammers had needed to move fast.

"We had planned to sign him in the summer but we were forced to move sooner as it was clear that Everton had agreed terms with Leeds to sign him," said Sullivan.

"Sam has been bought for the future and in the long term he could well be an England international.

"He is a utility player who can play anywhere down the right-hand side and, when played in a forward position, he can score goals. He is still young and is improving all the time."