NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO claims he would never ignore Callum Wilson just to save money.
West Ham head to Leeds tonight still looking for a first win under their new manager.
Two defeats and a draw under Graham Potter’s replacement mean the Hammers are still stuck in the drop zone.
Boss Nuno certainly needs goals from somewhere in the wake of 2-0 defeats by Arsenal and Brentford.
But he has yet to give summer signing Wilson — a man with 89 Premier League strikes – a single MINUTE in his three games in charge.
That stoked speculation Wilson’s contract was the reason for his lack of playing time.
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The former England striker, 33, left Newcastle on a free in the summer, ending a five-season stay on Tyneside.
Normally that would mean a bumper contract elsewhere — but Wilson’s injury record meant the Hammers would only sanction a one-year deal, heavily weighted on him making it on to the pitch.
Nuno batted back suggestions money was behind not giving the ex-Bournemouth man a go.
The Portuguese, 51, said: “Come on. I don’t even know about his contract.
“You think I’m this kind of person? Maybe if you knew me better, maybe we don’t have to speak about that.
“There’s nothing there. This speculation doesn’t help.
“You think I think about all these aspects when I have to make a decision to help the team? Come on.”
He rejected the idea Wilson, who has nine international caps, felt he was being snubbed.
He said: “Wilson is here with us. There’s nothing there. Don’t try to create anything, please.
“It’s nothing more than a decision. Let’s see if this game can be the other way around.
“There’s a future for everybody. All the players are so important.
“Especially when you are in such a tough situation. We need all of them.”
There is no denying though that Nuno chose another striker instead of Wilson to come off the bench in both London derby defeats.
Academy product Callum Marshall, 20, played the last half hour at Arsenal and again at home to Brentford.
The Northern Ireland striker’s only senior club goals came in League One last term when he hit nine during a loan spell at Huddersfield.
And Nuno admitted that it had not worked.
He said: “We decided on Callum to see if he can get into the spaces and use his speed in behind.
“It didn’t quite work out. But it was the only reason.”
Winger Crysencio Summerville, 23, showed signs against Brentford that good times might be close.
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The Dutchman, bought for £25million from Leeds in 2024, was hampered by injury last term but has been a lively performer so far this season.
Nuno said: “I believe he can give us big, big help in the future. Starting against his old club.”
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