Neill confirms West Ham move

West Ham willing
Neill, who had been linked with Liverpool for much of the season, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the London outfit and claims to have chosen the struggling Premiership team ahead of the FA Cup holders because they showed more determination to sign him. "It was about being wanted," the 28-year-old said. "West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take-it-or-leave it offer." Neill's Blackburn contract was due to expire at the end of the campaign. He had been with the north-west club since the 2001/02 season, playing 188 top-flight matches.

Ready replacement
Helping to fill the influential Neill's boots at Ewood Park will be left-back Warnock. The 25-year-old, who made 40 Premiership appearances for Liverpool, has arrived at Blackburn on a three-and-a-half year deal after the two sides agreed an undisclosed fee for his services. Blackburn manager Mark Hughes said: "He has good experience for a young man - Champions League and a decent amount of Premier League games. I like his attitude." Hughes has also handed new contracts to forwards Paul Gallagher, 22, and Matthew Derbyshire, 20, tying them to Rovers until 2010.

Striking addition
Meanwhile, Neill will not be the only addition to the West Ham ranks this week, with Spanish title challengers Sevilla FC agreeing to send striker Kepa Blanco to Upton Park on a six-month loan with an option to buy. The 23-year-old Sevilla youth-team product has started five Primera División matches this term, scoring three goals.