The 19-year-old forward signed for a club record fee from Italian Serie B side Brescia in January but has yet to establish himself in the Hammers' first-team.

He has failed to score since his move and appears still to be acclimatising to the rigours of Barclays Premier League life. Zola, however, sees plenty of potential in his recruit.

"Savio is a boy who came from a totally different league with (a) much lower standard so (he has) had a few problems at the beginning trying to establish himself," Zola told the club's official website.

"He was used to playing at very low rhythm, so he had time on the ball and would get two or three seconds before someone was going to challenge.

"In the Premier League it is totally different, you don't have the ball and already someone is challenging you - but he is catching up. He is only 19.

"He is a player that I believe is going to give satisfaction to the supporters. We need to be patient with him because he needs to adapt. He has got quality and believe me is going to be an important player."

Savio was born in Uganda but has represented the Germany Under-20 side. He is eligible to play for either country at senior level.

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