West Ham United youngster, Reece Burke has joined Championship side, Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.
Looking forward to getting started
Burke is highly-rated by many at the Hammers, recently signing a new four-year contract with the club.
Burke impressed last season on loan at Bradford City, and has played a huge part in pre-season as well as impressing during the 1-1 draw with Astra Giurgiu.
However with stern competition for places in Slaven Bilic's defence, Burke is looking for regular first-team football and shared his delight at the move.
"I am delighted to sign here at Wigan Athletic," Burke told wiganlatics.co.uk. "There were a few Championship clubs interested in me but I wanted to move here because I believe it is the next step for me in my career."
The 19-year-old continued: "I've met Gary [Caldwell] before and he's a great guy so I am looking forward to getting started, I really liked what he said about the club and his vision for the team."
He added, "It was one of my biggest seasons in football yet [at Bradford], I did well, perhaps to the extent I even surprised myself, especially picking up seven awards at the End of Season Dinner."
Taking a step up
The Hammers have always been known for their youth set-up, with the under-23 side winning the Premier League Cup last season.
Some of their brightest talents are on loan showing their skills, with fellow youngster Martin Samuelsen moving to Blackburn Rovers and looking forward to getting started.
"West Ham wanted to keep me long-term just in case I do push on now and do well here," Burke admitted. He was adamant, "I'm a Wigan player now and I am glad that's sorted for this season."
Burke concluded: "I expect the Championship to be faster, quicker and stronger, it'll be another step on from League One but what I did last year I hope to repeat here."
West Ham United will take on Watford at the London Stadium on Saturday, September 10 with kick-off at 3pm BST.