West Ham have received a major boost with the somewhat surprising news that Winston Reid has signed a new long-term contract with West Ham.

The New Zealand international, who had been liked with a move away from Upton Park in recent months, has put pen to paper on a six-and-a-half-year deal, which commits him to the Hammers until the summer of 2021.

Reid's contract had been due to expire at the end of the season, but he joins Mark Noble and James Tomkins in signing new deals.

“West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Winston Reid has signed a new six-and-a-half year contract with the Club,” a statement on the Hammers’ website read.

Reid said: “It’s one of those things that took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I’m very happy to be here for the next part of my career. I’m looking forward to it.

"At the end of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the joint-chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here.

“He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the club, so I’d like to thank him for that and I’m delighted to sign for the next six years.

“My family are happy living here too. We’ve been part of the club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and I’m delighted to be staying here.”

The 26-year-old arrived at the Boleyn Ground in 2010 after putting himself in the shop window by scoring a dramatic late equaliser in New Zealand's World Cup match against Slovakia earlier that summer.

At first the former Midtjylland defender struggled to make an impact in east London, with first-team opportunities limited as the Hammers were relegated in 2010-11.

But after playing a key role in their return to the top flight Reid, who is now also his country's skipper, has blossomed into one of the finest defenders in the Premier League and was linked with Tottenham, Arsenal and even Manchester United before agreeing the new deal.