Northern Ireland international defender George McCartney has signed a new five-year contract at Premier League club West Ham.The defender had been the subject of a £4.5million approach from former club Sunderland earlier this month, but saw the Hammers reject that bid.

The 27-year-old is a popular figure at Upton Park, with his reliable and consistent performances making him a virtual ever present in Alan Curbishley's side.

In the wake of the bid from the Black Cats, McCartney had reiterated his desire to remain in London, stating that he was happy at West Ham.

Roy Keane was keen to take the full-back back to the Stadium of Light just two years after he had left the club, but will now have to turn his attentions elsewhere.

McCartney's new deal ensures that he will remain with the Hammers until at least 2013.

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