West Ham’s Dean Ashton who was linked with clubs like Manchester United, Portsmouth and Newcastle has committed his future to the Hammers after putting pen to paper for a new five year old deal.

The striker just won his first international cap for England in their friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.

"I said all along I wanted to sign, I feel I have still got a lot the club and the fans," the former Norwich striker told the club website.

"I am really happy that I have signed, now I can look forward to next season."

The 24-year old, who joined the Hammers in January 2006 from Norwich for a £7.25m deal, broke his ankle while training with the national squad for their friendly against Greece. The injury left him on the sidelines throughout the 2006-07 campaign while he further sustained injuries in the 2007-08 season.

"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the season before," he said.

"I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future.

"I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal.

"We are really looking to the future."

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League."