West Ham United are pleased to announce the double signing of Italy striker David Di Michele and Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga, subject to registration at the Premier League.
The club recognise the lateness of this announcement but certain formalities including the release of the international transfer certificates had to be completed. West Ham United can also confirm discussions with Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah are ongoing. This deal can be completed outside of the transfer window as Appiah is a free agent.
Di Michele and Ilunga will arrive on season-long loans from Torino and Toulouse respectively with a view to possible permanent transfers and join Valon Behrami and Jan Lastuvka as new recruits.
Vastly experienced, Di Michele will add plenty of creativity to the West Ham United attack. He played at the Boleyn Ground for Palermo in September 2006 in the UEFA Cup first round and then went on to score in the return leg in Italy when the Serie A club won 3-0 to progress. Di Michele, 32, he joined Torino for 2007/08. His 15 goals in 37 appearances for Udinese in the 2004/05 season led to international recognition and he has been capped six times for the World Cup holders.
The 26-year-old Congolese international left-back Ilunga had attracted attention from several Premier League clubs but was delighted to secure a move to east London. Ilunga first rose to prominence at St Etienne and made 136 appearances for the club before switching to Toulouse in 2007. He played 35 times in Ligue 1 last season and also caught the eye with six UEFA Cup appearances. He has also been involved in World Cup qualifying this summer.