‘The Special One’ rates Zarate

Sam Allardyce has received a reference from Jose Mourinho on the abilities of new Argentine striker Mauro Zarate.

The two managers chatted about the 27 year old former Lazio front man whilst managing England and the Rest of the World in the recently televised charity match.

And speaking to West Ham TV, the Hammers boss said: “I spoke to Jose about him at the game and he said that in the year he spent in Italy Mauro played very well.”

He added: “We were short of goals last season and it’s a difficult area in which to recruit because they are expensive players so we are hopeful he can help us.”