They stressed that remains the case despite reports suggesting manager Alan Curbishley must trim his expensive playing staff for the new season.

Behrami's arrival from Italian giants Lazio comes a week after striker Bobby Zamora and defender John Pantsil were sold for a combined £6.3million fee to London rivals Fulham.

There has been speculation that captain Lucas Neill, striker Carlton Cole and centre-back Anton Ferdinand could be among the high-profile players put up for sale to balance the books after major transfer market business in the last two seasons.

But West Ham, whose only summer signings until the arrival of 23-year-old Behrami were 17-year-olds Homar Orn Eyjolfsson and Balint Bajner, have also awarded major new contracts to striker Dean Ashton and left-back George McCartney.

And chief executive Scott Duxbury stated that the signing of Behrami shows the club remain focused on improving the existing team.

Duxbury said: "Valon will be a valuable addition as we aim for a successful season ahead. We beat off a lot of competition from other clubs to sign him and it indicates the club's positive ambitions.

"Contrary to some reports we are fully committed to strengthening the playing staff.

"There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured we are working as hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team."

Following the exits of Argentina stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano last year, West Ham boldly added to their already impressive list of players.

They signed striker Craig Bellamy for £7.5million, midfielder Julien Faubert for £5million and midfielders Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer for £6million each. All four ended up on the injured list and are only just making their way back.

Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson appears to have adopted a more hands-on role since the exit of his compatriot and former chairman Eggert Magnusson, also appointing Italian technical director Gianluca Nani in March to work this season with manager Alan Curbishley.

West Ham, currently on tour in North America and Canada, have revealed their ambitions by snapping up Kosovo-born Behrami and he welcomed the move.

Behrami played in all three games for co-hosts Switzerland at Euro 2008 and also featured in the 2006 World Cup campaign.

He told West Ham's official website, www.whufc.co.uk: "It's my dream come true to play for West Ham and in the Premier League.

"At last I am able to sign. After the Euro 2008 championships I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest but I had to be sure it was the right thing for everybody and once I was sure of that I made up my mind quickly.

"I know what is expected of me and now I am looking forward to being part of this West Ham side and playing in English football."

Meanwhile captain Neill, still being linked with a move to Manchester City where his former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is now in charge, is ready to lead West Ham into action against the American Major League Soccer All Star team - including David Beckham - in Toronto tomorrow night.

Neill, whose team beat Columbus Crew 3-1 on Sunday night, said: "We are privileged to be involved in a game like this to be seen live on television by millions across the world.

"It will be great to test ourselves against the best players in America but we are in good shape, especially with guys like Scotty Parker, Craig Bellamy and Julien Faubert getting fitter all the time."