West Ham extend contract of captain Mark Noble until 2021

Noble came through the ranks with the Hammers and made his debut in 2004

Mark Noble has signed a contract extension (West Ham United via Getty)

West Ham have taken up an option to extend the contract of captain Mark Noble - tying the midfielder to the club until 2021.

Noble, 31, came through the ranks with the Hammers and made his debut in 2004, going on to make 446 appearances for his boyhood club.

The former England Under-21 international has started the last three matches as Manuel Pellegrini's side picked up nine points from their Premier League games.

“It was an option in my contract that I signed a few years ago now, and it's an extra year, which is fantastic for me and my family,” Noble told the club's official website.

“I've been at this club all my life - I've always said I wanted to be at this club and I think we're moving in the right direction, so it was the right time to do it.”

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: “Mark is Claret and Blue through and through so we are delighted that he is staying with the Club for at least another two and a half years.

“He’s our captain and current longest-serving player – he leads by example both on and off the pitch.

“He embodies everything that the fans love about West Ham and he will forever be associated with our Club.”