Reid was the hero for the All Whites when he scored a last minute equaliser against Slovakia in New Zealand's unbeaten World Cup campaign.

He has now been targeted by new West Ham boss Avram Grant for his side for the new season.

The club hailed the signing on their website overnight as "a young international who represented his country with distinction at the World Cup."

The 22 year old centreback with Maori heritage moved to Denmark at the age of ten and has played all his career there, representing his adopted homeland at all youth levels until Ricki Herbert lured him back for the All Whites.

He made it to the World Cup with just three caps to his name including his debut against Australia at the World Cup farewell match at the MCG - but immediately made a huge impression at the heart of New Zealand's defence..

West Ham hare said to have won the battle for the young star against stiff opposition from Everton, Spurs and Aston Villa.

Reid is expected to be formally unveiled as Hammer after he travels to the UK for a medical and to agree personal terms.