Velez Sarsfield have confirmed that West Ham's interest in Mauro Zarate has triggered a release clause in his contract.

According to the Argentine club tonight [Tuesday], Zarate's contract with Velez included a clause whereby he would be released from his contract should a foreign club wish to sign him.This was confirmed in a statement on their website in which Sarsfield confirmed that Zarate had been officially released last week having waived any fees that were due to him. The 27-year-old forward will also make a substantial contribution to a new sports centre."Last Friday, the contract that bound Mauro Zarate with Velez Sarsfield was terminated by mutual agreement," read the press release. "This possibility was included in the contract providing that the player received an offer from abroad."Mauro Zarate has agreed to waive all remuneration obligations Velez had with him. As further evidence of the feeling he has towards the club, he has promised to make a significant donation to a new gym for amateur football being built in the Olympic Village."Gestures like this should be highlighted and remembered always. It is not common for a football idol to actually play for love of the shirt. For all this, thank you very much Mauro."Whilst this is potentially good news for West Ham, who could now land Zarate for nothing, it could alert other Premier League clubs as to his availability should the move hit a snag.