There are a number of reasons for West Ham’s dismal start to the season, but the substandard form of Simone Zaza is certainly a contributing factor.

West Ham could refuse to play on-loan striker Simone Zaza to avoid triggering their agreement to sign him permanently once he makes 15 appearances, according to Football Italia.

The Italian international was ridiculed for his penalty miss in the shootout defeat to Germany at Euro 2016 (below) and has done little so far to placate the scrutiny that following his arrival at the London Stadium on a temporary deal from Juventus.

With the Hammers failing in bids for Carlos Bacca, Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette, Zaza appeared the last resort for a side desperate for a new centre-forward to stoke a Champions League push this season.

However, the former Sassuolo forward, who started just five Serie A games for Juventus last season after falling behind Mario Mandzukic, Paolo Dybala and Alvaro Morata in the pecking order, has failed to find the back of the net in a West Ham shirt so far.

The struggling Hammers agreed to sign Zaza permanently for £17.5 million if he made over 15 appearances in the Claret and Blue, according to Football Italia, meaning the club could now be forced to drop him from the squad to avoid triggering the deal.

That said, his agent and father Antonio told TuttoJuve this morning that the obligation clause actually kicks in after just 10 games.

Arriving with a reputation as a fiery, dynamic forward blessed with pace and an insatiable work rate, Zaza appeared perfectly suited to the high octane nature of English football.

However, a series of cumbersome displays have raised doubts about his suitability, with many West Ham fans praying that Andy Carroll (below) makes a rapid recovery or fellow new signings Jonathan Calleri and Ashley Fletcher find their feet.

In other news, Report: Everton and West Ham join Wolves in race for £18m Brazilian attacker