West Ham to target Manchester City defenders Pablo Zabaleta if move for Bacary Sagna falls through

WEST HAM will attempt a double swoop for Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna if the Manchester City pair fail to secure new deals this summer.

While the club primarily want both, they are willing to settle on the Argentine should their approach for the Frenchman fall through.

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The Hammers have been alerted to the potential availability of both Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta this summer after their contract negotiations have come to a stand still.

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Both Zabaleta and Sagna are ageing, at 32 and 33 respectively, and they have been struggling to perform in Guardiola's high energy team and West Ham believe their position in the heart of London could draw the pair in.

City boss Pep Guardiola has demanded the defenders prove themselves flexible enough to earn fresh deals.

But so far there has been little progress and Slaven Bilic could benefit from both full-backs in his defence.

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The fact that they are available on free transfers makes the move all the more likely as The Hammers would be able to accommodate the massive wages they earn in Manchester.

Bilic's side has been rocked by a long-term injury to first choice right back Sam Byram and they need cover in that position.

The fact that he has played a three-man defence in recent weeks means he would be able to use both full backs despite the rivalry they have for their place at City.

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Two weeks ago City smashed the Hammers 4-0 and this week they take on Bournemouth at Dean Court with the opportunity to go from fifth to second should they take all 3 points.

Meanwhile the Hammers let in a late equaliser against West Brom last night and while it is a set back it seems the Hammers have escaped the relegation scrap for now.