What West Ham learn from Famalicao friendly amid Gustavo Sa latest

Gustavo Sa could be increasingly close to signing for West Ham.

Frustration has been rife for Nuno Espirito Santo due to the lack of business at this stage of the summer.

There has only been bad news so far with the exit of Mateus Fernandes and potential departure of Crysencio Summerville.

Supporters were given a boost earlier in July when links emerged to the Portugal Under-21s international.

He looked set to be the perfect option to revolutionise the Irons' midfield after many years starring in Liga Portugal.

A deal is yet to be confirmed at the London Stadium, but Sa has seemingly pointed towards to an imminent exit.

Gustavo Sa absent from Famalicao pre-season

There have been plenty of questions surrounding the future of the midfielder moving deeper into the summer window.

West Ham Zone previously covered that Sa was missing from Famalicao training footage earlier this month.

With 19 photos posted, the Hammers target didn't feature in a single one and that has continued into pre-season preparations.

Record journalist Pedro Morais reported on Wednesday that the 21-year-old didn't feature in a friendly with Lus.

His departure is said to be "on the horizon" after interest from the Irons.

That could see a move to E20 become increasingly likely as his there doesn't appear to be a clear explanation for his absence.

Why West Ham can be optimistic as Sa's misses pre-season

There could be many potential reasons behind the midfielders potential absence for Famalicao.

Injury could be one of those, but he has been typically reliable having only ever been missing due to fitness twice in his senior career.

He missed one game of last season and three the year before.

Sa has played a record number of Liga Portugal games for his age, so injury doesn't feel likely.

Famalicao would have surely announced if that was the case, so it could be good news for the Hammers.

It could be evidence that a deal is edging closer to completion, which would start West Ham's summer business with a bang.