West Ham United have completed the £5 million signing of Valon Behrami from Lazio.

The 23-year-old Swiss international has signed a five-year contract at Upton Park after passing a medical. Behrami, who has 15 caps, can play at right back or in midfield and played in all three of his country's matches at Euro 2008.

"It's my dream come true to play for West Ham and play in the Premier League," Behrami said. "At last I am able to sign. After the Euro 2008 Championships I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest but I had to be sure it was the right thing for everybody.

"I have now made my decision and am looking forward to being part of this side and playing in the English league."

The club insist the signing underlines their commitment to challenging for a place among the Premier League elite despite moves by Alan Curbishley to trim his expensive playing staff.

Behrami’s arrival comes a week after striker Bobby Zamora and defender John Pantsil were sold for a combined £6.3million to Fulham.

There has been speculation that captain Lucas Neill, striker Carlton Cole and centre-back Anton Ferdinand could be among the high-profile players put up for sale to balance the books after heavy spending over the past two seasons.

But West Ham, whose only summer signings until the arrival of 23-year-old Behrami were Homar Orn Eyjolfsson and Balint Bajner, both 17, have also awarded new contracts to striker Dean Ashton and left-back George McCartney.

Scott Duxbury, the chief executive, said that the signing of Behrami shows the club remain focused on improving the existing team.

“Valon will be a valuable addition as we aim for a successful season ahead. We beat off a lot of competition from other clubs to sign him and it indicates the club’s positive ambitions," he said.

“Contrary to some reports we are fully committed to strengthening the playing staff.

“There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured we are working as hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team.”