Mido signed a one-season loan deal with Egyptian side Zamalek last summer but failed to impress at the club where he began his career 11 years ago, prompting West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola to make a move for the striker.

He has signed on loan until the end of the season, while Ilan has clinched a six-month contract following his recent release from French club St Etienne.

Egypt striker Mido first came to England in 2005, when he signed for Tottenham on an 18-month loan from Serie A giants Roma.

He had a successful first season at White Hart Lane and later became a permanent signing, before falling out with manager Martin Jol who sold him to Middlesbrough for £6.5million.

The Hammers have been desperate to add to their squad since millionaires David Gold and David Sullivan bought the cash-strapped club two weeks ago and they completed the signing of Benni McCarthy from Blackburn earlier today.

Zola's side are without a win since Boxing Day and 26-year-old Mido is desperate to aid West Ham's bid for survival.

"I'm here to prove a point. It is a great club and I'm sure I will do well here," Mido told Sky Sports News.

Ilan, 29, had plenty of success in France with Sochaux and St Etienne before falling out of favour with the latter team this season.

He said: "I am very happy to have signed and to play here. I spoke to Gianfranco Zola and he is a very nice guy. I spoke a little Italian and a little French to him. I am happy to be here and it is a great opportunity for me.

"West Ham are a big club in England and a very traditional club. I also love the Premier League."

Earlier, South Africa striker McCarthy joined from Blackburn for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month contract.

McCarthy has scored four goals in 16 appearances for Sam Allardyce's side this season but has spent most of the campaign on the bench.

The new recruits could now feature in Saturday's crunch relegation clash with fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers Burnley.