The outcome of Manuel Pellegrini’s contract talks with Pablo Zabaleta could prove to be a firm indication of his pulling power at the club, and a decisive factor in his future transfer involvement.

Former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was undoubtedly brought in at the beginning of the season to boost West Ham’s profile in the market, and to an extent it has worked.

The Chilean has managed to bring in the likes of Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop and record signing Felipe Anderson – a feat barely thought possible under David Moyes, a man who scarcely does not have the same sort of influence attached to his name.

Pablo Zabaleta, as old as he is now, is his next port of call according to the Evening Standard.

The Argentine is set to run out of contract at the London Stadium this summer and The Sun are reporting that both Manchester City and the player, who spent nine successful years at the club, are interested in reuniting with the latter joining Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.

This news arrived in the wake of rumours linking outbound Manchester United man Antonio Valencia with a move to the Hammers in the Sun.

As much as fans are secretly hoping that Pellegrini is frustrated in his pursuit of the veteran right-back, for his departure would represent a huge symbolic move away from the “graveyard club” status, we cannot help but think the failure to sign even him is a grim foreshadowing vision into a possibly desolate summer transfer window.

West Ham fans, do you think Manuel Pellegrini carries the pulling power you anticipated? Let us know in the comments below…