An eight-year-old is one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional footballer after he was signed to a top club.

Dondre Abraham, who lives in Tottenham, was selected to train with the West Ham United Academy after a manager spotted him as a potential goalkeeper.

Dondre admitted he felt a bit “guilty” because he was once a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, and attends St Paul and All Hallows Junior School near White Hart Lane.

But since being signed he now hopes to follow in the footsteps of his West Ham idols - goalkeeper Adrián and striker Andy Carroll.

He said: “I’m really excited to be training with West Ham. I have just started and it has been really hard work so far.

"I like being a keeper because I get to use my hands and dive. My favourite match was against West Brom where I did lots of top corner saves.”

Dondre currently trains five times a week, while next year he will have one day a week off school for extra training.

Meanwhile, Dondre's brother, Draven, six, is currently training with Tottenham Hotspur and hopes to be signed to a club next year when he becomes old enough.

The pair have always played together in their garden and both have high ambitions.

Their father, Dean Abraham, a train driver, said he was never good at football himself but is thrilled for his sons.

He said: “Dondre has worked very hard and hard work pays off. He also does well in school. We are very proud. Hopefully next year Draven will be signed too.”