West Ham United youngster Emmanuel Onariase signs professional deal

West Ham United youngster Emmanuel Onariase has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old defender has been a part of the Hammers' academy for the past six years.

Onariase was recently named on the bench for the team's defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.

"I'm grateful because it's amazing," he told West Ham's official website. "The club has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to get to the next level now and keep on excelling."

West Ham continue their league campaign on Saturday when they welcome Stoke City to Upton Park.