Hammers big favourites to sign prime target

Pablo Zabaleta and wife Christel

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West Ham are very much front runners to clinch the signature of Pablo Zabaleta this summer.

ClaretandHugh has learned that only Roma remain a threat to Irons hopes but the Manchester City crowd hero and his wife Christel Castano are keen to remain in the UK where they and their family are well settled.

Sources inside City have revealed that moves have been made by the Hammers and that the player likes what he is hearing.

But Roma attempted to buy the player last summer and there remains the possibilty that the Italian outfit could return this year.

However the Argentina right back with two league title medals, League  and Fa Cup winners medals to his name remain keen on continuing his career in the Premier League.

He is very much an attacking wing back who has lost his place to Jesus Navas for much of the season but has made 12 PL appearances.

The Hammers had also looked at Bacary Sagna – who like Zabaleta is on a free transfer – but Palace are now line in to win the race for the former Arsenal man.

Zabaleta will want around £85k a week but with no transfer fee involved that is very do-able.