Fulham have confirmed that Ryan Fredericks will leave the club this summer when his contract expires at the end of this month.

West Ham United have won the race for Fredericks on a free transfer, signing him on a four-year deal, whufc.com has announced.

Despite Fulham's promotion, Fredericks has opted to leave Fulham and move across London to join the Hammers.

In his career at Craven Cottage, the 25-year-old played 114 games in three years, culminating in the play-off final victory over Aston Villa to see his side win promotion.

Prior to his time at Fulham, Fredericks came through the academy at Tottenham Hotspur and also played for Millwall, Brentford, Middlesbrough and Bristol City.

A number of sides were vying for the former England under-19 international's signature on a free transfer this summer after being alerted to his contract situation.

But the Irons have snapped him up to bolster their defensive options.

He is the first addition in Manuel Pellegrini's reign as West Ham manager, after the Chilean took over from David Moyes earlier this summer.

Fulham will now have to decide whether to replace their prize defender - who won a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Year - or rely on Cyrus Christie and Steven Sessegnon at right-back.

The Verdict

With over 150 career appearances to his name already, Fredericks provides a perfect blend of experience and youth.

This is a brilliant signing for Pellegrini's men, as Fredericks is a speedy right-back who can provide legs in that department rather than the ageing Pablo Zabaleta.

This season, Fredericks will learn so much from Zabaleta - who has played at the top of the game - and by the end of the season, he could become a much better player.

Fulham fans - What do you make of this deal? Let us know below...