West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes the signing of Dean Ashton from Norwich is a "statement of intent" to other teams in the Barclays Premiership.

Ashton has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers and completed a deal worth more than £7million.

Pardew's side have been impressive on their return to the top flight and have a chance of qualifying for Europe next season, and the Hammers boss believes the signing of Ashton shows the club's ambition.

"People may have thought we panicked to buy a striker but that is not the case," said Pardew. "We've probably paid a little over the odds, considering where he is in his career but for us it just fits perfectly.

"He can justify the fee and maybe be worth more in the future. It's a statement of intent for us to compete with some of the bigger teams in the league."

Ashton, 22, was delighted to have the chance of proving himself in the top flight again after his goals almost saved Norwich from relegation last season.

"Obviously I'm really delighted to join a massive club like West Ham," he said. "When West Ham came along I jumped at the chance to be back in the Premiership. My ambition has been to be playing in the Premiership regularly, hopefully the club can make the best of my ability."

"I put pressure on myself to perform and do the best I can. I don't think about the fee, I just get on and play my football."

Pardew is now looking forward to seeing Ashton competing with Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood - who will start tonight's game against Fulham - as well as Teddy Sheringham and Yaniv Katan.

"I've not clouded the issue, the competition will now be fierce," added Pardew. "The two that start tonight will have to show they want to stay in the team."