Hammers look poised to land former Birmingham, Inter Milan and Lazio forward.
West Ham United are close to signing former Birmingham City frontman Mauro Zarate, according to the Argentine striker’s brother and agent.
Zarate, who scored four goals in 14 Premier League games during a loan spell at Birmingham in 2008, is currently contracted to Velez Sarsfield.
However, agent Rolando claims that the 27-year-old has played his last game for the Buenos Aires club.
According to Sky Sports, Rolando told Velez y su mundo: “We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but he wanted to play.
“Mauro Zarate and his family’s love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation.”
Zarate has scored 13 goals in 19 Primera Division games for Velez this season.
His former clubs include Inter Milan, Lazio and Qatari side Al Sadd.
Sky Sports claim that a host of teams, including multiple Premier League sides, are keen on Zarate.
However, West Ham are said to be in pole position in the race for his signature.
Zarate is expected to arrive in England later this week.
It is no surprise that West Ham are keen to bolster their striking options when you consider that the Hammers scored just 40 Premier League goals this season.
Only Aston Villa, Hull City, Crystal Palace, Cardiff City and Norwich City scored fewer goals than West Ham in the top flight.
Midfielder Kevin Nolan was West Ham’s topscorer, with seven league goals.