West Ham seal Zabaleta deal

West Ham have won the race to sign Pablo Zabaleta.

According to the Daily Mail the defender has agreed a two year contract and becomes the first major deal of the summer transfer window.

Zabaleta ended his nine year stint with Manchester City at the weekend and has wasted no time in getting fixed up with his deal a big boost for Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers boss is under serious pressure to improve next season with the end of season trashing from Liverpool highlighting the club’s defensive problems.

As well as bringing experience and stability to his side’s defence the signing of the Argentinian gives Bilic’s plans credibility when he returns to the transfer market.

Zabaleta made more than 30 appearances for City in the season just finishing but Pep Guardiola is looking to bring in two younger full-backs to fill those key positions with retaining Zabaleta never a realistic option.