The transfer is said to be worth £1.5million while Neill will earn £60,000 a week with the Hammers, twice the salary on offer at Liverpool.

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it, " said Neill. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.

"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there."