Clarke opts for Hammers

[Olzy]

Clive Clarke claims he has chosen a £275,000 move to West Ham over Sunderland because he thinks the Hammers have a better chance of staying in the Premiership.

The 25-year-old Stoke left-back, who had just under a year left on his contract at the Britannia Stadium, has been linked with a move away from the Potters all summer and the Black Cats had a formal offer of £100,000 turned down.

Burnley had a £125,000 bid knocked back and there was also reported interest from Ipswich - but Clarke has now signed a four-year deal with Alan Pardew's top-flight new-boys.

It is another significant boost to the defensive options of Pardew, who has also signed Charlton's Paul Konchesky and Cardiff duo James Collins and Danny Gabbidon.

Like Konchesky, Clarke is a versatile operator and has had long spells in central midfield for Stoke.

He hopes top-flight football will help him add to his one Republic of Ireland cap and admits he was concerned a fee might not be agreed before the closing of the transfer window at the end of August.

He said: "There have been a few bids but I'm just happy it's sorted out now. It was a worry with so many bids being rejected. You always want to improve and hopefully it will help (my international ambitions).''

Along with the Black Cats and Wigan, the Hammers are favourites for relegation - but Clarke reckons the team promoted through the play-offs are more likely to remain in the top flight than the clubs coming up automatically.

Clarke is also optimistic that another striker can be added by Pardew before the Londoners meet Blackburn on the opening day of the season.

"Out of the three teams promoted, I think we've got the best chance of staying up,'' he added. "The manager has already signed some good players and hopefully there's a little bit more money to buy another top striker as well.

"Alan hasn't promised me anything, he just said he wanted another left-sided player.

"I've been (at Stoke) so long and I wish them all the best but this move didn't need selling to me. It's a big club and a great opportunity for me.''