Israel striker Yaniv Katan has completed his £100,000 move to West Ham United from Maccabi Haifa, the club has confirmed.

The 24-year-old, who has scored once in his 13 internationals, is manager Alan Pardew's first signing in the January transfer window. He signed a four-year contract after agreeing personal terms last month.

Katan said the presence at Upton Park of midfielder Yossi Benayoun, a former Maccabi Haifa team mate and national team colleague, was an important factor in his choosing West Ham.

"It is fantastic for me that Yossi is here," Yaniv  told West Ham's website.

"Yossi has told me a lot about West Ham, he said that everyone at the club is very nice, the players are all good friends and that the supporters are fantastic. Of course, Yossi is one of the big reasons I came to West Ham and now I am just looking forward to being able to train with him and the rest of my team mates.

"I like to play as a wide attacking player, but the main thing I can tell the fans here is that I play for the good of the team and always give everything I have. I am so excited about the opportunity I have been given and I really can't wait to play for West Ham United."

Katan, whose cut-price fee was struck as he had only six months of his contract remaining, is eligible for West Ham's FA Cup third round game at Norwich City on Saturday although he is unlikely to make his debut until later in the month.