According to reports in II Mattino (in Italian), Napoli are lining up a move for West Ham United striker Simone Zaza, leaving the Irons with a dilemma.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the attacker initially moved to the London Stadium on loan from Serie A champions Juventus in the summer, but the move will be made permanent when the 25-year-old makes 10 appearances for the Irons.

He is currently on nine, and the Irons will have to pay £17m if he appears in one more match – meaning Slaven Bilic has a decision to make.

Zaza has struggled to impress in England and his father, and agent, Antonio is due in London for talks with the club in the next couple of days.

He told CalcioMercato.com: “I can’t guarantee that he’ll stay in London until the end of the season or that he’ll definitely leave.

“Either tomorrow or the day after I’ll be in London to take stock of the situation with Simone and West Ham.”

Britain Football Soccer - Everton v West Ham United - Premier League - Goodison Park - 30/10/16 Everton's Ashley Williams in action with West Ham United's Simone Zaza Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account

Why has he struggled?

The Italy international just hasn’t acclimatised to the rigours of the Premier League and doesn't look suited to the English game.

That said, the Hammers have also endured a poor season to date themselves, lying 17th in the table, which probably hasn’t helped the striker either.

What’s the likely outcome?

I guess we’ll find out this weekend. If Zaza fails to appear against Stoke on Saturday with an international break to follow, it would suggest that he could well be on his way out in January.

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']