Keiber Lamadrid: Nuno Espirito Santo makes new West Ham signing admission after loan confirmed | OneFootball

Young forward has moved to east London on loan

Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted that new signing Keiber Lamadrid is not immediately ready to play for West Ham.

The Venezuelan winger joined the Hammers from Deportivo La Guaira on Friday on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Deportivo La Guaira’s season ended in December, and Lamadrid, who will work with West Ham’s development squad, needs to build up his match fitness.

Asked about whether Lamadrid would be ready to contribute for West Ham as they battle against relegation, Nuno admitted the 22-year-old was in ‘pre-season’ and was not ready to play.

“He is a young player, but he is in pre-season and only finished his season at the end of last year,” Nuno said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Irons’ clash with Sunderland this weekend.

“He is not really ready to play. We will assess him and see.”

Lucas Paqueta remains a target for Brazilian club Flamengo, but West Ham have yet to receive a formal offer for the midfielder and are adamant he is not for sale.

The Brazilian has been struggling with a back injury, and Nuno revealed he would miss Saturday’s game at the London Stadium, with the club hoping to find a solution regarding his future.

"The situation is the same as last week,” Nuno continued.

“We hope the club and Lucas can find a solution. He won't be in the squad for the game against Sunderland this weekend. We have to assess his injury day by day."