Cristian Montano has signed pro terms with West Ham United.

The forward finished as the leading scorer in the Hammers' FA Premier Academy League side with nine goals in 18 games. Montano, who was born in Colombia before moving to London as a child, also made ten Barclays Premier Reserve League appearances, netting his first goal in the 3-2 home win over Fulham in April.

"It's just a great feeling, I can't describe it," he told WHUTV. "I wasn't expecting it at first, especially when I got injured against Newcastle [United in the FA Youth Cup fifth-round defeat on 3 February], but then I got back in the team and probably proved myself again and here I am. I am looking forward to next season and carrying on proving myself.

"I joined West Ham when I was an Under-12 and since then I've been doing well. I've had some problems with injuries, but now I'm injury-free and I can keep going and doing well and show the fans what I'm capable of when I get my chance.

"I can describe myself as being like Faustino Asprilla, the Colombian footballer who played for Newcastle. The way he runs with the ball and the things he does - I look up to him as well. He is Colombian like me and I would like to make the career he made, or even a better career in football."