Burke open to loan move

Teenage defender Reece Burke knows his future lies at West Ham having signed a new four-year contract this week, but admits he would not be adverse to a short-term move away from east London.

Burke has made five Premier League appearances since making his debut in a goalless draw at QPR in April 2015.

However, after featuring in the Europa League qualifiers at the beginning of last season, Burke was then sent out on loan to League One side Bradford City.

There he made 34 league appearances and having learned the value of time in the rough and tumble of the lower divisions, Burke is hungry for more.

(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“I’m delighted to sign for the club I support and it’s a long-term deal. It gives me more time to progress and get into the first team,” said the 19-year-old.

“I spoke with the gaffer (Slaven Bilic), and if I’m not playing here, I want to be playing somewhere else.

“The Championship would be ideal, because I did do well in League One.

“The gaffer did say he wanted me to stay to begin with, but there have been a few games where I’d have liked to be involved and I haven’t been.

“The more experience you get the better player you become.”