Nuno Espirito Santo has added four youth prospects to first-team training in what can be seen as a pointed message that he needs reinforcement in January.

The victory was Nuno’s first since replacing Graham Potter as manager and ended the Hammers’ six-game winless streak in the Premier League.

But for Nuno to pull West Ham from the relegation zone and improve their league form, he’ll need reinforcements this winter window.

Nuno Espirito Santo clearly wants more squad depth in January

Nuno has confirmed that four academy players are training full-time with West Ham’s first team as the club looks to youth to turn their fortunes around.

Indeed, Ezra Mayers, Finlay Herrick, Airidas Golambeckis and Mohamadou Kante have all made an impression on the Irons’ boss and will look to further impress on the first team.

Mayers was named in the matchday squad for West Ham’s win over Newcastle and is seen as one of the club’s most promising centre-backs.

Meanwhile, Under-21s captain Golambeckis also penned a new deal at West Ham until 2029. Playing above his age group with the U21s, the centre-back is one of the select few to have captained the development squad before turning 18.

While this is a big achievement for them, adding four youngsters to the first-team squad can be seen as a clear message to David Sullivan that Nuno needs far more depth in January.

It is no doubt a bold move from Nuno to give four rising stars their fair chance, but the 51-year-old will need a couple more experienced players to save the Hammers from complete capitulation this season.

Will West Ham fans see their youngsters against Burnley?

 League on Saturday in what will be a fierce battle between two teams on the wrong side of the table.

Both have had a difficult start to the season:

• West Ham have conceded 21 goals in the league
• Burnley have conceded 19 goals

Meanwhile, the Hammers, who are 18th, can overtake the Clarets in 17th if they win and surpass their goal difference tally.

In such a high-stakes game, it will be unlikely to see any of the Hammers’ above youngsters feature, unless West Ham were winning by a large margin.

Either way, there will likely be several opportunities for fans to see them in action later down the line.

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