By David Woods

2nd Oct, 2016 | 1:14pm

Italian striker set for surprise West Ham move in Janaury – report

By Tony Hughes

West Ham striker Simone Zaza could leave West Ham early if Slaven Bilic is relieved of his duties, according to a report.

The Hammers signed the Italian striker on loan from Juventus in the summer, but the 25-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and has come under criticism from fans.

Now, Italian website calciomercato.com has claimed that Zaza could be heading back to Italy if the Hammers and manager Slaven Bilic part ways.

It claims that he faces an uncertain future at the Olympic Stadium and could make a quick return to Turin in January.

This would be a huge surprise as West Ham trumpeted the arrival of Zaza in late August after he signed on a loan-to-buy deal that will become the most expensive transfer in the club’s history if it becomes permanent.

Zaza has made four premier League appearances, but has only played one full 90 minutes, in the 3-0 loss to Southampton.

He hasn’t scored a goal for the club yet and fans have criticised him after a string of poor performances saw him dropped to the bench for Saturday’s home game against Middlesbrough.

Zaza came on at half time but didn’t make his mark on the game, with Dimitri Payet securing a point for the Hammers with his equalising goal in the 57th minute.

The Express claimed that the Hammers are looking at Rudi Garcia and Roberto Mancini as potential replacements for the struggling Bilic.

With Andy Carroll still currently sidelined through injury and youngster Ashley Fletcher still developing, West Ham could face yet another striker crisis as the winter transfer window looms.

In other West Ham transfer news, manager Bilic is desperate for the Hammers to sign a new deal with this defender.