Young West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides has died after a three-year battle with the cancer.

The news was announced in a statement on the Hammers’ website. It reads: “West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.

“Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.

“He remained a regular visitor to Chadwell Heath throughout his treatment and his positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike.

“Dylan's amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in September 2012."

The statement adds that Tombides did a "huge amount" to increase awareness of male cancer through supporting the One for the Boys campaign and his passing will be marked by a minute’s applause ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game with Crystal Palace at Upton Park. The Hammers’ players will also wear black armbands in their club-mate's memory.