Report: West Ham want Manchester United captain Valencia

West Ham United reportedly want to recruit Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia at the end of the season, according to a report published by The Sun. 

The report added that Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini will make a move on Valencia should Pablo Zabaleta decide to retire at the end of the season. There are rumours suggesting that the Argentine could be offered a backroom deal with former club Manchester City if he does decide to hang up his boots at the end of the season and this could sway his decision.

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Zabaleta is regarded as a legend among most Manchester City faithful, having helped the club win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups during a nine year stint with them.

Meanwhile, Valencia’s contract at Old Trafford is due to come to an end at the end of the season. The 33-year-old has so far only made five Premier League appearances this season and is quite evidently surplus to requirements at the Red Devils. It’s looking increasingly likely that he will be released at the end of the season.

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Valencia has been on the books of United since 2009 when he joined from Wigan Athletic. Since, then he has gone on to play 338 times for the club in all competitions, scoring 25 goals. He has helped the club to win two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Europa League. Valencia was even named as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year during the 2011-12 campaign.

There are currently no plans for a contract extension for the veteran. It remains to be seen whether he will hang up his boots, opt to stay in the Premier League or perhaps decide to wind his career down with a move to China or the MLS.