West Ham completed the signing of free agent Mladen Petric on a free transfer.

The Hammers were in desperate need of a forward after it became clear that Andy Carroll would be out of action for a considerable time, leaving manager Sam Allardyce with only Modibo Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te as realistic options up front.

Carlton Cole, who left the club after his contract expired at the end of the season, looked to be on his way back to West Ham, but failed to convince the club of his fitness.

Allardyce then turned his attentions towards Petric, who played last season for Fulham, with the 32-year-old signing a contract until the end of the season after completing his medical.

"I'm very happy, excited and looking forward to training with the team and to the first game," Petric told the club's official website.

"I know (the Premier League) and I'm happy to be back in the Premier League, because it's a fantastic league and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team and this Club.

"There are a lot of good players here and I'm happy to be part of such a good team and I hope we can all celebrate my first goal for West Ham as soon as possible."

Petric told he was sold on the idea of joining West Ham after speaking to former teammate Guy Demel.

"I didn't speak to Sam until today (Tuesday) but I've heard a lot about him and I spoke to Guy Demel, who I know from my time at Hamburg and I'm sure I'll have a good time here.

"I remember playing at West Ham last year and it was a very tough game for us at Fulham. I think we lost 3-0! It's not easy to come here (as the away side) and take points away."