West Ham sign Mears as Young deal falters

West Ham United have signed Tyrone Mears from Preston North End for a fee thought to be around £1.5m. The Premiership club turned to the 23-year-old right-back following the surprise collapse of the deal to secure Luke Young from Charlton Athletic.

Ironically Mears, who has signed a four-year deal, was regarded as a target for Charlton once Young had completed his expected move to Upton Park. However, the transfer is understood to have collapsed on Friday evening with concerns being expressed over the results of Young's medical. The 26-year-old defender is recovering from an ankle injury which ended his hopes of making England's World Cup squad. He is now set to sign a new contract at Charlton.

Mears travelled to London on Monday to hold talks with the West Ham manager Alan Pardew. His arrival ends the Hammers' search for a new right-back following Tomas Repka's return to the Czech Republic in January.