Benayoun helped Katan join Hammers

West Ham’s new signing Yaniv Katan has revealed the presence of fellow Israeli Yossi Benayoun convinced him to sign for the London club.

The Hammers yesterday agreed to sign Katan from Maccabi Haifa on a three-and-a-half-year contract, subject to a medical and a work permit being issued.

“Yossi has been a good friend of mine since we were youngsters,” the 24-year-old told the London Evening Standard.

“I talked to him a lot recently and one of the reasons why I have joined West Ham is that he is already there and it will be easier to settle in.

“This is the biggest moment of my life to come to England and play in the Premier League.

“I am already digesting the prospect of playing against teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.”