He’s a 19-year-old Ugandan-born German, and nobody knows him from Adam. But Savio Nsereko is the man charged with filling the boots of Craig Bellamy.

Gianfranco Zola has reportedly splashed the majority of the £14million recouped from the sale of Bellamy to Manchester City on the signing of Nsereko from Italian side Brescia, with the fee allegedly rising to £10million depending on appearances and achievements for the club.

On the face of it, it looks like the Italian manager has hurriedly thrown all his chips into the middle of the table as the transfer window begins to close.

But delve deeper into the deal and Hammers fans may soon be rubbing their hands at the prospect of this young Germany Under 19 international.

Nsereko grew up in Munich after moving from his home town of Kampala, and after working his way through the youth ranks of 1860 Munich he was spotted by current West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani.

He was moved on to Italian side Brescia, where he began to make his name.

After some impressive performances – as well as two spectacular goals in his final game for the Italians – Nani wasted no time in securing his services, with the youngster’s name beginning to do the rounds at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Now he is on board, Zola has urged patience from the Hammers faithful, although he hinted that he would be willing to throw Nsereko in at the deep end, should the opportunity present itself.

“We have expectations of him but don’t forget the boy is just 19 and he has come here for the future. We know he has got great potential and can become a really top player but the crowd and everybody needs to be patient with him.

“The reason we signed Savio is that we see in him the potential that belongs to very good, special players.

“I’m sure that when somebody has got the qualities he has got that we can find a place to fit him in the team and sooner or later we will find a space to put his qualities at our disposal.”

Meanwhile, Nsereko spoke of his delight to have linked up with one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players in Zola, and insisted he couldn’t wait to start showing what he can do.

“I am very happy to be here and proud to have the possibility of playing for a club like West Ham,” said Nsereko, who can play out wide or through the middle.

“I know a lot about the manager. I saw him play and he was a great player. I think he’s a great manager and can improve me a lot.

“I know it’s a big responsibility (to wear the number 10) but I know what I can do and I’m happy, that’s it. I will try to get better in training every day.”

He may be little more than an expensive gamble now, but surely only a fool would discredit the judgement of the little Italian master.