Those behind the scenes at West Ham are reportedly hopeful that Xande Silva could make his first-team return next month.
Football.london reports that the fourth round of the Carabao Cup has been earmarked as a potential return date for the striker.
This comes after the club agreed a deal to sell Javier Hernandez and judging by these reactions across social media, a number of West Ham fans think Silva’s imminent return could have played a part in the decision to move on the ex-Manchester United forward.
Twitter: @Sam_InkersoleTM Good news and obviously some of the reasoning behind letting Chicho go. (@PW57WHU)
Twitter: @Sam_InkersoleTM Can see him being our number 2 striker sooner than later (@Likemydreams76)
Twitter: @Sam_InkersoleTM Convenient bit of news on the day we sell Hernandez. ? (@kjohno10)
Twitter: And Xande Silva. Serious prospect. (@donsimon78)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee Xande Silva back in October too (@SamHarrison17)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee Plus hopefully xande silva will come back soon (@ellingford_paul)
Read West Ham verdict
Selling Hernandez at this stage of the season has been a controversial move by the club and one that has largely split opinions.
On one hand, the belief that the club are showing in Silva is a promising sign.
The club are becoming increasingly keen to invest in youth and Silva could be the next youngster to breakthrough at the London Stadium.
However, there is still a lot of football to be played before his return and an injury to Sebastien Haller would leave West Ham very short of options in the final third.
Add to that his relative inexperience, West Ham could be playing a risky game in selling Hernandez, but one that has the opportunity for huge reward given Silva’s potential.
