Italian  has confirmed that he will be the new sporting director of West Ham United. The Premier League club have been scouring the world for a person to fill the newly created role, which will become a pivotal position at the East London outfit.

Nani currently holds a similar role at Brescia but he has been lured to the English capital by Hammers chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Nani confirmed he would be taking up his appointment at the end of the season.

“From June I will take over my new position with West Ham,” he told a news conference. I have conducted the negotiations in person but in the full co-operation of Brescia chairman [Luigi] Corioni, who I must thank along with his family. I have leant so much in these years with the club and for that opportunity I must thank them.”

Nani is known for his strong contacts throughout the continent and his main duty will be to oversee transfer policy at Upton Park.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has received the backing of his board following three successive 4-0 defeats.The Hammers sit in 10th position in the Premier League after heavy losses to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

“The board of West Ham recognise that recent results have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone connected to the club,” a statement said. “However, there is no question of Alan Curbishley’s future as manager being called into doubt.”

West Ham’s squad has been hit by a series of injuries this season but the recent run of poor results have brought Curbishley’s management style under scrutiny.

The statement added: “Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the club into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have the full support of the board. Of course, there are challenges to be met and further improvements needed to keep the club moving forward.”

“The board will work with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built on to deliver success and long-term stability for West Ham.”

Craig Bellamy’s return to first-team football has been delayed further after news that he needs more surgery on his abdominal injury.

The Wales international played in a friendly at the start of the month, but the club have now revealed that he needs to go under the knife again.

Bellamy originally had surgery in October and although the latest operation is only likely to sideline him for a further six weeks, it is a blow as The Hammers had hoped he would now be back in contention for the first team. West Ham confirmed the news after Bellamy felt he was not ‘quite right’ after his comeback earlier in the month.

Hammers physio George Cooper remained buoyant about Bellamy’s recovery.

“He has been absolutely brilliant,” added Cooper. “Everything he has done has got him back to almost being ready and there is a feeling that if he carries on with slight symptoms they are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go. The operation will complement the excellent work he has done before and that should be the last bit he needs before continuing his strengthening.”