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Zabaleta decline suggests West Ham should be wary of Sagna signing

Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United reacts to giving a penalty away during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mar...
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Pablo Zabaleta has struggled for form following a summer move to West Ham from Manchester City so could Bacary Sagna do the same?

France's defender Bacary Sagna arrives at the French national football team training base in Clairefontaine near Paris, on March 20, 2017, as part of the team's preparation for the...Bacary Sagna arrives at the French national football team training base in Clairefontaine near Paris.

West Ham United are among the Premier League clubs thought to be interested in signing free agent Bacary Sagna, according to the Sun.

The defender is yet to find a new team after being released by Manchester City this summer, with sides from Italy, Portugal and Turkey also thought to be considering the 34-year-old.

Manchester City player Bacary Sagna in action during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on February 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England.Bacary Sagna in action during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City.

Yet having already signed one out-of-favour right-back from the Etihad Stadium this season in Pablo Zabaleta, the Hammers should be very careful about doubling up.

Zabaleta has been one of the finest players in his position in Premier League history, winning the competition twice as well as the FA Cup and League Cup during his nine years with the Citizens.

Yet the Argentine’s early performances for West Ham as part of a defence that has conceded 10 goals in their opening three league games, all of which have been defeats, suggests the 32-year-old’s best days are behind him.

Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United reacts to giving a penalty away during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on August 19, 2017 in...Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United reacts to giving a penalty away during the Premier League match against Southampton.

In a City team that had large amounts of possession and were often on the frontfoot in games last season, Zabaleta’s emerging flaws at the back were perhaps covered up, but now in East London they are being blatantly exposed.

Both the South American and Sagna were considered no longer good enough by Pep Guardiola and perhaps share too many similarities as players to offer West Ham versatility in their squad.