Sam Allardyce: 'Ravel Morrison is an exceptional talent'

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has described Ravel Morrison as an "exceptional talent", following the player's move from Manchester United.

The Hammers confirmed a £650,000 deal for the youngster on deadline day, after a troubled time at Old Trafford.

Morrison was allowed to leave United after a series of off-field problems that resulted in various fines and court appearances and the 19-year-old saw his route to the first-team blocked because of his consistent poor behaviour.

"Ravel is a talented lad and if he really wants to be a player then we will help him as much as we can along the way," said the West Ham manager.

"Perhaps a change of environment will be beneficial to him and help him make that step up to first-team football quicker.

"There is no doubt he has exceptional talent."

Morrison made three first-team appearances in his time at the Red Devils.