West Ham may have just secured their long-term successor to Vladimir Coufal and saved themselves millions in the process.

There are a number of key areas where West Ham need to strengthen in the summer.

And both full-back positions would be near the top of the list for most Hammers fans.

Vladimir Coufal has been a superb signing for West Ham.

The Czech warrior cost us less than PS5m from Slavia Prague. And he has proved to one of the bargain buys of West Ham's Premier League era.

Time waits for no man, though. And although Coufal is enjoying a superb season overall, he isn't getting any younger.

Coufi - as he's known at the club - turns 32 at the start of next season. Inconsistent back-up Ben Johnson also looks set to leave for Crystal Palace this summer.

So Tim Steidten and co clearly need to be thinking about bringing in a young, modern full-back who can share the role and eventually succeed Coufal.

MORE WEST HAM STORIES

But it seems that particular search may already be over.

Because West Ham may have just secured Coufal's heir after an exciting deal announcement.

The Hammers have today officially announced they have signed up flying England right-back Junior Robinson to a new two-and-a-half-year contract.

Not only in light of Johnson's expected departure but also given how highly coveted Academy star Robinson has been in the past.

The 19-year-old is comfortable as a full-back, wing-back, or winger. And the Bethnal-born star has put pen to paper on a new deal until June 2026 having been at West Ham from the age of six.

Crucially Robinson - a capture from the famous Senrab production line - says West Ham believe he has what it takes to step up to the first team in the near future.

"I'm really happy to get another contract with the Club I have been at since I was six, so it is a huge moment for me," he told the club's official site.

"It shows that West Ham has a big trust in me and believes I can make the next step into the first team and hopefully I can show them that I can do that.

"West Ham has always been my team and my friends all support West Ham, so it is my dream to play here."

Sporting director Mark Noble is also happy to get Robinson signed up. And he says it is up to him to make the opportunity count.

"As it is with the other young professionals to have signed new contracts this season, it is up to Junior to make the most of this opportunity, maximise his talent, and push on," Noble said.

"Supported by myself, Kenny Brown, and the coaches across the Academy, we look forward to seeing how Junior will respond to the challenge in front of him."