Enner Valencia joins West Ham: Hammers complete £12m signing of Ecuador striker Valencia subject to a work permit

Valencia featured at the World Cup and will join his brother Antonio Valencia in the Premier League providing a work permit is approved to complete his move from Pachuca

Enner Valencia of Ecuador controls the ball against Laurent Koscielny of France during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group E match between Ecuador and France (Getty Images)

West Ham have announced the signing of Pachuca striker Enner Valencia on a five-year contract, with the Ecuador international awaiting a work permit to complete the deal.

Valencia, 25, scored all three of Ecuador's goals in the 2014 World Cup, attracting attention from throughout Europe as a result.

But it is West Ham who have won the race for his signature, with the Hammers announcing the signing on Thursday morning ahead of their pre-season tour of New Zealand.

"West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting Ecuador international forward Enner Valencia will become the Club's fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing," a statement on their official website read.

"Valencia, who impressed hugely in scoring three goals for his country at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, will join West Ham on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee."

Although the fee will not be disclosed it is believed that Valencia, who started his career with Emelec before moving to Mexican outfit Pachuca, moves to West Ham for a deal close to the club-record amount paid for fellow striker Andy Carroll last summer.

After completing his move from Liverpool Carroll struggled for fitness last season and goalscoring was a problem for Sam Allardyce's side.

With Valencia, who also scored in Ecuador's World Cup warm-up draw with England, now on board Allardyce will be hoping the Hammers' reliance on Carroll will be eased.

The 59-year-old was only assured of his position in May but has now brought in five new faces as he looks to improve on last season's 13th-placed finish.

Once the work permit regulations are dealt with, Valencia will join fellow striker Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, full-back Aaron Cresswell and England youth international Diego Poyet in completing moves to Upton Park so far this summer.

PA