Speaking to Football Insider, a West Ham United source has allegedly explained that Fabian Balbuena has been told to find a new club this summer, with no contract extension in sight.

The Lowdown: Balbuena out?

Over the last few months, much has been made of the Paraguayan's future in east London and whether or not the club will offer him a new deal.

His current contract expires at the end of next month and, as things stand, the 29-year-old will be allowed to leave on a free transfer (Football Insider).

Balbuena enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, often partnering the likes of Angelo Ogbonna to good effect. However, the return of Issa Diop and emergence of summer transfer window signing Craig Dawson limited his appearances thereafter, with the Paraguay centre-back starting just 13 games in total over 2020/21 (WhoScored).

The Latest: Balbuena told to get looking...

According to a West Ham source who was speaking to Football Insider, the Irons have now told Balbuena to find a new club and will not be extending his contract after all.

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Indeed, GSB and David Moyes have decided to let the 14-cap international leave London for pastures new nearly three years after he signed from Corinthians.

However, in a silver lining for Irons supporters, it is understood that the club are willing to splash the cash and bolster their centre-back options for the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict: Time to go...

The colossal defender enjoyed a fine beginning to 2020/21 and stepped in as a key figure, albeit briefly. West Ham journalist Sam Delaney, speaking on the U Irons podcast (via This is Futbol) back in October, heralded Balbuena for his run of form at the time and called him "brilliant".

However, with emergence of options like Dawson, who West Ham will now sign on a permanent deal, it could be time to wave goodbye to Balbuena.

At 29 years old, he isn't getting any younger, with the only disappointment being that GSB couldn't sell him on for profit.

Instead, it looks as if he will be leaving on a free transfer, but the hope is that West Ham will still have plenty of resources to fund the chase for a top centre-half this summer.

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