West Ham United are battling Pablo Zabaleta’s former club Manchester City over the long term future of the veteran right back, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claims that the two teams are keen to offer the Argentine a position once he decides to hang up his boots, with the 34-year-old currently 11 appearances shy of triggering a one year contract extension with West Ham.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to keep the player around for as long as possible, and a coaching role at the London Stadium has been mooted by the club.
However, City have made it clear to Zabaleta that they have a number of non-playing roles ready for him if and when he decides to return to the Premier League champions at the end of his career.
OPINION
On the face of it you would have to give City the advantage here. Zabaleta spent many years at the club and witnessed its transformation from a middling top flight outfit into the global behemoth it is today. He has only been at the London Stadium for 18 months, after all, so he cannot be expected to have the same depth of feeling for West Ham as he does for his former team. Zabaleta is a very intelligent guy and would likely have a lot to offer either team in a variety of different roles, hence their interest in him. The Hammers should be concerned with seeing him stay as a player for as long as possible, because he’s demonstrated this season that he can still contribute as a weekly starter. He has had a fine campaign to date and so Pellegrini will be keen to see him make the 11 more appearances necessary to trigger the extra year on his contract.
