Doncaster Rovers secure West Ham midfielder's signature

Payne, still only 19, was released by the Hammers this summer after making three appearances for manager Gianfranco Zola.

He has already played in the Football League on loan for Cheltenham, Colchester and Wycombe and has impressed during a week's trial at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Manager Sean O'Driscoll said: "We have watched him two or three times when he was at West Ham and we just liked him. When he was released we asked him up here to train with us. We like his attitude and feel he could be a player we could develop."

Payne said: "I'm really pleased to sign for Doncaster after playing in quite a few of the pre-season games. There were one or two other clubs interested in me but Doncaster were the only one I was happy to sign for as they play the type of football I like to be involved in."

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock is reportedly a target for Swansea City.