Ghanaian youngster Keenan Appiah-Forson trained with West Ham first-team as David Moyes' side returned to training ahead of Premier League resumption.
The 21-year-old has been one of the standout players for the club's youth side this season and is now ready to make the step up.
Appiah-Forson has made two first-team appearances at West Ham, both coming in Europe against Dinamo Zagreb last season before coming on again against FCSB this campaign.
“Keenan is fully deserving of this new deal. Since I’ve come in, he has been excellent,” under-21 coach Mark Robson said.
“His energy levels are unbelievable and every single day, I’m amazed by how he just keeps going.
“He’s a real pleasure to work with. He’s a really good lad who gives everything he’s got in every game and every training session.
“His work ethic, I have to say, is as good as anybody I’ve seen in this league at U23s level.
“He has a real desire to work hard, and he is a shining example for any young player at this level.”
Appiah-Forson will hope to earn a new deal at the club before his contract expires in six months’ time.