West Ham took their summer spending to £6 million yesterday with the double signing of defenders Javier Margas and Neil Ruddock.

That makes five new players this close season for the Hammers and it left chief executive Peter Storrie vowing: "We can challenge Arsenal and Manchester United for the Championship."

Chilean international Margas (29), arrived on a four-year contract from Universidad Catolica for £2 million after being granted a work permit. Ruddock (30), signed for three years from Liverpool for a nominal fee plus appearance money.

"We believe we have the strongest squad we have had for many years and we have every opportunity of building on last season's finish of eighth position," said Storrie.

The Hammers have already signed Wright, Shaka Hislop and Marc Keller this summer. Storrie said it had been a deliberate policy to bring in experienced players.