West Ham have signed Brazilian forward Pablo Felipe from Portuguese side Gil Vicente, the club announced on Friday.

Felipe has been one of the most in-form strikers in Portugal‘s top-flight this season with 10 league goals from just 23 shots.

West Ham will hope that Felipe can provide an immediate impact as they endure a relegation battle. The Hammers have just 14 points from 19 games this season, leaving them in 18th place and five points from safety.

“I am very happy. I will give my all for this club, leaving everything on the pitch, all my effort, all my dedication,” Felipe said.

“The fans really like players who fight for the badge, and I can promise that I will leave every last drop of sweat on the pitch for this club.

“I want to send a strong message that I have come to prove my worth.”

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Felipe’s arrival comes as Niclas Füllkrug called time on his disappointing, injury-plauged spell at the club and joined AC Milan on loan.

The 32-year-old has moved to Italy on an initial loan deal with an option to join permanently at the end of the season.

Information from PA contributed to this report.