Since becoming a free agent after his contract with Inter Milan expired, Esteban Cambiasso has become a wanted man. The Mirror are now reporting that West Ham and Aston Villa are battling for the 34-year-old midfielder’s signature. Having ruled out a return to River Plate and remaining in Italy, the options are narrowing.

Even at 34, Cambiasso being available on a free transfer would be a good signing for someone and it would seem that England or Spain are now the most likely destinations.

Sam Allardyce is reportedly attempting to lure Cambiasso to West Ham with a two-year deal worth £50,000 a week. Tempting an international veteran, like Cambiasso would be a classic Allardyce move, a strategy which he used to some effect when in charge at Bolton.

Aston Villa are competing with West Ham but Paul Lambert has a much smaller budget to work with. Since Tottenham pulled out of the running, these two clubs are the most likely destinations for Cambiasso if he ends up in the Premier League.

Cambiasso has already ruled out a return to River Plate and Sampdoria President, Massimo Ferrero revealed to Gazzetta dello Sport that Cambiasso rejected the chance to play for Sampdoria because he no longer wanted to play in Italy. “I’ve contacted Cambiasso, but he won’t play again in Italy to avoid betraying Inter.”

This may make a transfer to England more likely but with Valencia also keen, Cambiasso might favour a return to La Liga.