West Ham United will be forced to pay £20m to buy loan signing Simone Zaza on a permanent basis if he plays another ten matches for the club.
The Hammers, who brought Zaza to London from Juventus in the summer, face stumping up a hefty fee, according to the Sun, if the milestone is reached before the end of the season.
Zaza's agent, who is also the striker's father, had initially claimed that the clause would be enabled after just 10 games, but a source from within the West Ham camp has clarified that the agreement would only come into force after 14 appearances.
The insider said: His Dad, who is also his agent, claims the number of appearances is ten but that's not true, it's 14.
There may be some game playing going on aimed at putting a bit of pressure on us but we are completely calm about the situation.
Andy Carroll is on his way back as is Diafra Sakho, so there's going to be some very heavy competition.�
EXCLUSIVE: West Ham will have to fork out £20m if flop Simone Zaza plays 10 more games https://t.co/3Ec9H00QSR pic.twitter.com/ybjn2NasuE
The arrangement, which includes appearances in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions, means that West Ham's board will have no option but to fork out what appears to be an over inflated price for Zaza, who has so far failed to impress at the London stadium.
Despite featuring five times for West Ham, the 25-year-old is yet to find the back of the net as the Irons have struggled for form in the opening months of the campaign.
West Ham find themselves languishing in 18th position in the league standings, and have already seen their Europa League adventure cut short for a second successive season after suffering an early exit at the hands of Astra Giurgiu.
Zaza joined West Ham on a season-long loan after failing to cement a regular starting place at parent club Juventus.
The Italian champions shipped the forward out after he netted just eight times in 24 appearances last term following his move from Sassuolo.
The Italy international was also the victim of a social media witch hunt after a horrendous penalty for his national side in the last-16 tie against Germany at this summer's Euro 2016 Championship in France.
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