Javier Pastore to West Ham seemed an odd one, if only because the most likely route for the Argentine if leaving PSG has always been Italy.
It’s where Pastore made his name and where his stock is the highest. Turning 29 years of age tomorrow, the chance of spending the autumn of his career excelling in Serie A is greater than doing so in the Premier League.
A few days ago there were claims from France that Pini Zahavi and David Gold were trying to get a deal sorted out quickly for the payer, and then came AS Roma.
There’s all kinds of claims in Italy that some kind of deal has been agreed between player and club, and whilst Pastore’s agent denied that, whilst confirming talks, it wouldn’t be difficult to believe an agreement could be reached quickly.
Tuesday’s edition of L’Equipe has an interesting claim on West Ham interest, and how far it actually got… or didn’t.
The French newspaper state: ‘the entourage of the player has never had contact with the English club and has always favoured Italy, the country of his wife.’
If true, that would show Pastore has never shown a strong interest in joining the Hammers.
Whilst a Roma move looks likely right now, there’s every chance that could all change.
Personal terms may be relatively easy to agree, but the Italian club will surely, at least initially, go in with less than PSG are willing to accept.
