Hammers consider Xande Silva decision

Distant hopes that Xande Silva could act as emergency cover for either Seb Haller or Albian Ajeti in the event of injury are being considered by the Hammers.

However, the highly promising Portuguese youngster is still recovering from hospital treatment for a bowel obstruction and won’t be available until October the earliest.

And with only one first team appearance behind him in an FA Cup clash against Birmingham City last season – he will need plenty of under 23s action to be anywhere near fit enough for inclusion in the first team squad.

Silva was included on the bench at various times before he fell ill and needed surgery and the Hammers will need now to decide whether he should be promoted to the squad for Chicharito once the striker joins Sevilla or wait until January and bring in a new signing.

The youngster – who looked comfortable on his one appearance in the team last season – is on a special recovery programme and is a player in whom the manager sees great potential.