Fabian Balbuena is set to leave West Ham on the expiry of his contract this summer.

That's according to the player's agent Renato Bittar who, in an interview with Versus Radio [via Hammers News], said that talks with prospective suitors were already underway. He added that Balbuena will stay in Europe and could even be picked up by another Premier League team.

The Paraguayan international moved to east London from Brazilian club Corinthians in the summer of 2018. He has since made 59 appearances for the Hammers.

This season, he enjoyed a run of nine consecutive starts starting with the 4-0 win over Wolves in late September and culminating with a 2-1 victory at Leeds in November. However, he has played only two Premier League games since then, being relegated to the substitutes' bench as David Moyes has favoured Issa Diop and Craig Dawson in the centre-back positions.

According to football.london, West Ham will be obliged to make Dawson's loan deal from Watford permanent if he makes 15-20 Premier League appearances. He is currently on 13.

After the update on Balbuena was shared on Twitter by @westhamtransfer, these Irons fans expressed their concerns over his likely departure, with one supporter hailing him as a "good servant" during his three years at the London Stadium.

These West Ham fans would be sad to Balbuena go

"If we got into Europe surely we would wanna keep him for cover"

Credit: @tom_deal6

"Shame, I quite like Balbuena. Him and Ogbonna were solid this season and a big reason we are where we are."

Credit: @northwesthammer

"Left it late to offer him a new contract, why !"

Credit: @kevalaaarrr

"Genuinely think that’s a loss tbh. Would rather he was playing than Diop at the mo. Him saying he’s off has probably influenced that as well."

Credit: @jamiebaxter182

"Would be a shame to see The General leave"

Credit: @jonnysharpe

"He wants to return home to Paraguay. He's been a good servant to us but wants to finish his career in his home country."

Credit: @Spanishbrit

In other news, this West Ham player's post-Manchester United tweet elicited a mixed response from fans.