The Hammers are keen for Zabaleta to carry on playing but he has reportedly been offered a behind the scenes role at his former club Manchester City

West Ham are reportedly lining up a move for Antonio Valencia but only if Pablo Zabaleta decides he will retire at the end of the season.

Zabaleta, 34, has yet to reveal if he plans on calling time on his career but the Hammers are keen for him to carry on.

2 Antonio Valencia is out of contract at the end of the season

The Sun report Manchester United’s Valencia is top of Manuel Pellegrini’s list to replace the Argentine, as there are rumours Zabaleta will be offered a behind the scenes role at Manchester City should he decide to retire.

Valencia has been at Manchester United for a decade but his contract will end this summer and there are no plans for a new deal.

2 There has been speculation that Pablo Zabaleta will retire at the end of the season

He has made 338 appearances for the club since signing from Wigan in 2009 and has won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and Europa League.

The 33-year-old is a year younger than Zabaleta and it is understood a free transfer would mean West Ham would be able to afford his £100,000-a-week wages.

LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS woe 'I cannot say for sure we will sign anybody' announces West Ham owner who confirms bids NEWS West Ham owner defends business and Diangana sale, Wolves sign Semedo, Leeds deal TEAM Two debuts and Havertz starts - Chelsea XI v Barnsley? Goss Arsenal news: 'Still trying' for Partey and Aouar, Elneny off, no Guendouzi demand GOSS Liverpool news live: Thiago deal 'will upset team', Aouar interest, trio set for loan goss Chelsea news: Mendy in line for West Brom debut, Hudson-Odoi challenge, Juve move done Wolves sign Barcelona ace who's played alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Wanted Tottenham open talks to sign defender in £55m summer transfer

The Ecuadorian has made just five Premier League appearances this campaign and has been struggling with a knee injury in recent weeks.

Speaking about his injury early this month, interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “Well hopefully he’ll recover.

“Because he’s training hard, really hard. Then he got a setback, so hopefully in a couple of weeks he’ll be back with us.

“He’s been fantastic servant for the club, he’s the captain for a reason.”