Transfer news:West Ham confirm signing of Peterbrough teenage striker Jaanai Gordon

The deal will be completed when the transfer window opens on New Year's Day

West Ham have announced the signing of Peterbrough striker Jaanai Gordon (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Jaanai Gordon from Peterborough, with the deal to be completed when the transfer window opens on Wednesday.

Gordon, 18, has been on trial with the Hammers and featured for their Under-18's side whilst also scoring in first-team friendlies against Gillingham and Millwall in November.

After making his Peterborough debut at the age of 16, Gordon went on to make seven first-team appearances for the Sky Bet League One outfit and impressed enough during his short spell with West Ham to earn a deal at the club.

A West Ham statement confirmed: "West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Peterborough United youngster Jaanai Gordon, which will be completed on 1 January 2014."

Gordon will be Sam Allardyce's first acquisition of the winter window but other names are expected to follow.

Allardyce will have no recognised central defenders fit for their crucial Barclays Premier League clash at Fulham on New Year's Day and, with record signing Andy Carroll yet to feature this season, Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed on Monday that looking to bring in defenders and a centre-forward were the priority of the club during the window.

PA