West Ham United clinch signing of James Collins

Aston Villa defender James Collins has finalised a return to West Ham United on a four-year deal.

The newly-promoted Premier League side emerged as the favourites to sign the 28-year-old, with reports claiming that Collins was undergoing a medical yesterday.

West Ham chairman David Gold took to Twitter to confirm the club's new signing and said: "I am delighted to announce the return to the club of Wales defender James Collins. James has signed a four-year contract."

Collins, who spent four years at Upton Park between 2005 and 2009, was also thought to be a target for Sunderland.