Mauro Zarate will consider a January exit from West Ham despite the Hammers having enjoyed a fine campaign in the Premier League to date.

The 27-year-old Argentinian has managed just five appearances since his summer arrival from Velez Sarsfield and has not made it on to the pitch for more than a month, leading his agent to suggest the former Lazio and Inter Milan man could head back to Serie A as early as January.

Luis Ruzzi told Tuttomercatoweb: “At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position. He is a centre-forward and if there is a team willing to let him play in his natural role, then we’d be very happy to take their offer into consideration.

“It’s a shame that, apart from his time at Velez, in recent years they make him play out of position. It’s true he has a contract until 2017 with the Hammers, but I think we can find a solution to suit everyone.”

Zarate has found his opportunities at the Boleyn Ground limited by the form of fellow summer arrivals Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, who have netted nine Premier League goals between them already this season.

Sakho has been something of a revelation since his switch from Metz, scoring in seven consecutive games before both he and the Irons drew a blank in a goalless draw with Aston Villa last weekend.

The Hammers are back in action on November22 when they are 3.98 to win at Everton and 3.69 to secure a draw.