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Report: West Ham thrilled with Xande Silva’s progress

Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images
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West Ham United may hope to bring Xande Silva into first-team action next month.

Xande Silva of West Ham United arriving prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

According to Football.London, West Ham United are thrilled with the progress attacker Xande Silva is making both on and off the pitch.

The Hammers allowed five strikers to leave the club over the summer, with Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez, Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Jordan Hugill all leaving the club.

In came club-record signing Sebastien Haller and Basel talent Albian Ajeti, but with Michail Antonio injured, Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t have a huge number of striking options.

He does though have youngster Xande Silva, who joined the club from Vitoria Guimaraes last summer and made his first-team debut against Birmingham City in January’s FA Cup tie.

That’s his only first-team appearance for the club so far, but with so many strikers leaving, the 22-year-old may now get a chance to shine this season.

It’s claimed that West Ham are impressed with Silva’s progress from a bowel obstruction, and his off-field decisions are also pleasing the club having moved his sister from Portugal to London for support.

Xande Silva of West Ham United  during the FA Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Birmingham City at The London Stadium on January 5, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.

That means West Ham are hopeful that Silva could play in a fourth round Carabao Cup tie if they make it that far, with Oxford United their opponents in the third round.

There is a clear window of opportunity for Silva now, and he needs to show West Ham that they don’t need to sign another striker in 2020, as he can step up and support Haller and Ajeti.

Xande Silva of West Ham United in action during the Premier League 2 match between West Ham United and Manchester City at Chigwell Construction Stadium on August 19, 2018 in Dagenham,...