Randolph adamant new-boy Fonte will be a Hammers success

Jose Fonte has only been with West Ham for a week but that’s been enough time for goalkeeper Darren Randolph to be convinced that his leadership ability will make him an instant success.

Fonte moved to the London Stadium from Southampton for a reported fee of £8million, plus potential add-ons, last Friday.

The 33-year-old defender trained alongside his team-mates for the first time on Wednesday as the squad prepares for their clash with Manchester City next Wednesday.

The Portugal international, who won Euro 2016 with his country, is expected to slot straight into the heart of the Hammers defence for the City contest, after Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the rest of the seasons with a knee injury.

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And Irish goalkeeper Randolph is in no doubt that Fonte is the sort of player who will instantly improve the team.

“Jose is a great addition to the squad,” said Randolph. “He has a lot of experience and it can only be a good thing having him in the squad, especially as we are playing so well at the moment.

“It is only going to add to the quality that we have and to the squad as well. I have already seen in training that he is a leader.

“He is loud and vocal and organises well. It should be a good addition.”