West Ham United have completed the permanent signing of Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old played nine times for the Hammers on loan last season, and has signed a three-year deal. "I'm delighted to be back," the midfielder told the club's official website.

"I enjoyed my time here last season and I am very happy to get the chance to come back and compete for a place at West Ham. It is great that it is permanent deal and that it is all sorted out."

Kovac's chances of playing in tomorrow's Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers hinge on him getting international clearance in time.

Manager Gianfranco Zola said: "He is a good player for us. He has got experience, he has got charisma, a good personality and he will be an important player for us."