Right-back Josh Emmanuel has signed a two-year professional contract with an option for a further season.
The 17-year-old Academy product - who turns 18 later this month - broke into the first-team squad early in pre-season and appears set to make his senior debut in Saturday’s season opener at Brentford with Jonny Parr injured and Christophe Berra suspended.
"I’m delighted to sign the contract and it’s up to me to keep working hard going forward now,” one-time West Ham schoolboy Emmanuel told the club site.
"The manager and TC have been great with me and have given me an opportunity in pre-season. I feel part of the squad now but I know I’ve still got a lot of work ahead of me.
Really appreciate all the kind messages ðŸ’™âš½ï¸ just the beginning... the Lord has gone ahead, Roll on Saturday ðŸƒðŸ™‰
— Joshua Emmanuel (@JEmman97) August 6, 2015
"I’m very happy to be signing as this is a family club and I feel very settled here. I’m looking forward to working hard every day over the next two years now.
"We’ve got a big game against Brentford on Saturday and all the lads are ready to go. Training has been lively this week and I think we are looking good.”