West Ham today confirmed Gianluca Nani as their new technical director. He will take up his new post in June.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley travelled to Italy last week to discuss possible summer transfer targets with Nani, who has been working as sporting director at Brescia since 1999.

On top of assisting Curbishley with all transfers, Nani will also be responsible for enhancing West Ham's international scouting network, developing the youth academy and improving the club's training ground facilities.

During his time at Brescia, the 45-year-old helped develop the talents of Italian World Cup winners Andrea Pirlo and Luca Toni.

Curbishley said: "Gianluca is the person I need to help me in the recruitment at the club, venturing down into the academy level. It is a big brief but I am sure he is up for it. He is vastly experienced.

"We took a good look at Brescia and what they have achieved. We are lacking at the club in terms of infrastructure and network, which you need now because it is a global game."

As well as Italian, Nani speaks English and French and is fluent in Spanish. Nani stressed he will join West Ham not just to attract foreign players but to remain true to the club's academy roots.

He said: "I am proud and honoured to be here at West Ham. I know it is a club full of history, I know West Ham play the right way."