Bilic: 'West Ham won't release Zaza'

By Football Italia staff

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic insists it is “false” to say Simone Zaza could be sent back to Juventus in January, avoiding the €20m fee.

The striker was sent out to London on loan for one season at a cost of €5m with an option to buy for another €20m.

That option will become mandatory after a certain number of Premier League appearances, reported to be between 10 and 14.

Bilic was asked in a Press conference if there was any truth in rumour Zaza’s loan could be cut short.

“This one is false. He’s our player, we got him, he’s here. He’s training good and we expect him to do the job.

“I have to make a decision on Zaza over Saturday. That is the only decision I am thinking about: the game against Palace.

“The only thing I am thinking about Saturday is not about the situation in his contract or around his contract but is he going to be the one I will put at centre-forward? The only objective is: can he do it against Palace?”

Zaza is not alone in struggling at West Ham, as none of his fellow strikers have found the net this season either.

If Zaza were to be sent back to Juventus in January, he would be immediately loaned or sold again, as Milan and Napoli are known to be interested.

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