Nicky Maynard has joined West Ham from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.
The striker, whose contract at Ashton Gate was set to expire in the summer, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers.
Chairman Colin Sexstone admitted City were keen to cash in on the forward, who scored 46 times for the Robins in 131 appearances after arriving from Crewe in July 2008, after Maynard called time on contract negotiations earlier this season.
Sexstone told City's official website: "For a long time we tried to get Nicky to sign a new contract and commit his future to the club, but once we knew that would not be possible it was in the club's best interests to search out the best deal possible.
"With the West Ham offer, I believe we have secured a good deal for the club and at the same time brought closure to this matter.
"It's now time to move on and I think it's important for everyone associated with the club to pull together now as we look to end the season positively and secure our Championship status for next year."
Maynard becomes the Hammers' third signing of the day after fellow forward Ricardo Vaz Te signed from Barnsley and Manchester United prodigy Ravel Morrison also arrived.
