The epic saga concerning the future of Italian striker Simone Zaza has taken a new twist, with a declaration by The Times that the 25-year-old is set for a shock return to parent club Juventus in January.
 

Having still to get off the mark in his nine appearances so far for West Ham United, the journal believes that Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will cut his losses and return the player to Turin before having to pay the buy-out clause that is inserted in the player’s current loan-deal. To recap, if Zaza makes 14 appearances for the East London club, they will have to pay Juventus £20 million and take full ownership of the player. Bilic however, has done his calculations and is not prepared to take the gamble on someone who has yet to convince.  

Napoli looked like being favourites to take Zaza back to Serie A and the player and his father and agent, have already stated that preliminary discussion have begun but nothing has been finalised at this time. The Premier League club have had a disappointing start to the new campaign and the latest reports suggest Bilic will scour Europe for an alternative striking option.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler