West Ham have had no approach from Malaga for striker Mauro Zarate.

But the club admits that probably doesn’t mean a great deal at this stage of the January transfer window.

Zarate – has a history of moves behind him and has regularly been linked with another away from the Boleyn – so it is no surprise to see him being linked with a switch to Spain.

The Mirror reported this morning that Malaga were keen on the striker but when ClaretandHugh approached our senior source at the club we were told there was nothing going on at this stage.

He said: “No, there has been no approach but who knows what may happen between now and the end of the window when most of the activity takes place – no smoke without fire and all that!”

At 28 the striker has five permanent and three loan moves behind him so it wouldn’t be the most unexpected switch and were Malaga to succeed with an offer they would probably need to start bidding at around £3 million.

And were an offer to come at the right price then the Hammers may well move in this market to get a replacement.