Edson Alvarez agent causes a stir as West Ham midfielder at centre of 'incredible' transfer twist

Edson Alvarez can be forgiven for feeling like a spare part at West Ham United right now.

The Mexico international saw a move away from the London Stadium fail to materialise in the summer.

Alvarez was used in West Ham's opening game of the campaign - a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Portsmouth - but has not been used since.

Despite Alvarez being involved in West Ham training, Nuno Espirito Santo continues to leave him out of matchday squads, let along his starting lineup.

Alvarez continues to be linked with a move away from West Ham as the January window approaches.

The midfielder's agent Tarek Sebiat was spotted at another club this week, but further news has now emerged on that development.

Why has Edson Alvarez's agent been spotted in Spain?

It was reported this week that Alvarez's agent met with Valencia's director of football Braulio Vazquez.

Putting two and two together, it appeared Sebiat was there to discuss a winter transfer to Valencia for his client.

However, Spanish outlet Record reported on Thursday that there is an "incredible" reason behind Sebiat's whereabouts, which have caused "a wave of speculation".

Instead, it was just a "routine visit" for the agent to various clubs across Spain, having also checked in with Osasuna and Villarreal.

Sebiat was not specifically trying to discuss a transfer for Alvarez, as such, but just gauging where clubs stand ahead of the January window.

What has Nuno Espirito Santo said about Alvarez?

Alvarez's continued absence is raising more than a few eyebrows.

Leaving the 28-year-old out while the window was open was understandable, but doing so now when he is ready to play a part is just strange.

Alvarez, once hailed "unbelievable" by Emerson Palmieri, is not currently injured.

Asked about the midfielder's chances of a return to the squad at a press conference last week, Nuno did at least hint he will consider him.

"All the players are working," he said. "It's up to us to make decisions.

"Not all the players have played yet, but the chances will come. All of the players in the building are part of our plans."

With the games coming thick and fast in the Championship, it really is now or never if Alvarez is to be integrated back into the side.