Mears signs for West Ham, Young Stays at Charlton

This story comes from The Independent, whom Alan Pardew has been writing for during the world cup, and is being reported as fact. The paper says that West Ham have signed Tyrone Mears from Preston North End for around £1.5m. The Premiership club turned to the 23-year-old right-back following the surprise collapse of the deal to sign Luke Young from Charlton Athletic.

Young is believed to have failed a medical on Friday. The defender is recovering from an ankle injury which ended his hopes of making England's World Cup squad. He is now set to sign a new contract at Charlton. Ironically Mears, who has signed a four-year deal, was regarded as a target for Charlton once Young had completed his expected move to Upton Park.