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Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been ordered to spice up his squad after surviving the axe this week.

Allardyce has been handed £20m to spend this summer to make his side more entertaining next season.

Zarate underwent a medical yesterday and will put pen-to-paper on a permanent switch from Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield.

The 27-year-old netted 19 times last season, finishing as the top scorer in Argentina's top-flight, and resurrecting a career that had stalled during previous stints at Inter Milan and Lazio.

Zarate's arrival at Upton Park looks set to be swiftly followed by the addition of Sunderland midfielder Colback.

The Black Cats star, 24, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light and has rejected fresh terms to extend his stay after playing a pivotal role in the club's escape from relegation.

And despite interest from Sunderland's fiercest rivals Newcastle, Allardyce is confident he can pull off the signing of Colback on a free transfer as he begins to mould a squad capable of producing 'sexy football'.