Mauro Zarate agrees West Ham switch; Newcastle to sign Spanish starlet

Mauro Zarate agrees West Ham switch

Former Birmingham City striker Mauro Zarate is set to sign a deal with West Ham, the player’s brother and agent has revealed.

The controversial forward returned to native Argentina in the summer as he joined Velez Sarsfield on a free transfer from Lazio and he has since been in stunning form.

Zarate went on to score 18 goals in 28 league appearances, and he seems to have done enough to secure a move back to the English Premier League.

The forward’s brother and agent Rolando Zarate has revealed that his client is set to join Premier League side West Ham.

“We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but he wanted to play,” Rolando Zarate told radio programme Velez y su mundo.

“Mauro Zarate and his family’s love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation.”

The 27-year-old had one year left on his deal with the Argentine giants, but opted to try and leave his mark on England’s elite division.

Newcastle to sign Spanish starlet

Spanish daily newspaper Depor Press has revealed that Newcastle are on the verge of completing a move for Tenerife attacker Ayoze Perez.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a big club move after impressing in Spain’s second division and it was believed he was all but set to join FC Porto.

However, the player has since rejected an offer from the Dragons and is instead close to sealing a move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle have agreed to meet the youngster’s €2.3 million release clause, although Perez is yet to reach an agreement on personal terms.

The Magpies are looking to reinforce the squad after yet another disappointing season and the capture of one of Spain’s hottest prospects is likely to be considered a major coup.

Ayoze Perez has been in scintillating form this season, having managed 16 goals and 7 assists in 33 league appearances.

Zenit close on Garay

Zenit St Petersburg are stepping up their efforts to sign Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay from Benfica, reports O Jogo.

The Russian giants have been hot on the trail of the 27-year-old for well over a year, but they seem ready to make their interest concrete.

According to O Jogo, Zenit officials are determined to sign the centre-back this summer and they will fly to Lisbon tomorrow to try and wrap up the deal.

Ezequiel Garay has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs of late, and it is almost certain that he will be leaving Estadio da Luz in the summer.

The Argentine has enjoyed another successful season with the Eagles, scoring 6 goals in 27 league appearances and helping his side win all three domestic titles.

Garay is also considered an important member of the Argentina national team, who are priced at 9/2 to go all the way at the World Cup.

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