GIANFRANCO Zola hinted that he may exchange David Di Michele's loan contract for a permanent one at the club after the Italian striker produced a stunning individual display in West Ham's 2-0 win over Hull City.

The 33-year-old was brought in by the club prior to Zola's arrival on a loan deal until the end of the season.

After struggling initially with the pace of the English game, Di Michele has quickly found his feet and last night produced his best performance in the club's claret and blue shirt, scoring one and playing a strong hand in the build-up for the second.

Zola bolstered his attacking options with the acquisition of 19-year-old Savio this week following Craig Bellamy's £14million move to Manchester City. But on last night's showing, the youngster may be hard-pushed to get a look-in, as Di Michele and Carlton Cole continue to strike up a devastating partnership.

“Di Michele was fantastic, but not only today, in the last few games he's been great,” said an ecstatic Zola. “He's such an important player for the team.

“The two of them (Cole and Di Michele) are building a great partnership, linking up a lot and playing together a lot, but they've been helping the rest of the team. They're more than strikers and I'm very happy with them.”

When pressed as to why he hadn't yet snapped up the veteran on a permanent deal, the former Chelsea forward suggested such an offer could materialise, if the eye-catching displays continue to flow.

He added: “He was already here when I came so I don't know the terms. But if he keeps playing the way he is then he has a very good chance of staying over here. He's improving and that's the most important thing.”