Former West Ham defender Razvan Rat has joined Rayo Vallecano, the Spanish club have confirmed on their website.

The 32-year-old has joined the relegation-threatened La Liga club on a deal until the end of the season after being released by the Hammers at the end of the transfer window.

Rat, who has been capped more than 90 times by Romania, moved to Upton Park last summer and made 20 appearances in all competitions.

Vallecano are currently second bottom of La Liga and they face the daunting prospect of a trip to leaders Barcelona tomorrow.