According to a report by The Sun, West Ham United have received a major blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore.

The report claims that the player’s agent has confirmed that they are in talks with AS Roma but given the situation, the Hammers must do everything they can to ensure Pastore moves to East London this summer.

Since Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment as the new manager, West Ham seem to be heading towards the dawn of a new era. But to fulfil their dreams, it is important to sign someone of Pastore’s calibre.

In 2011, PSG signed Javier Pastore from Palermo for €42m and after spending 7 years at the Parc des Princes, Pastore must be open to the prospect of a new challenge. And moving to the Premier League would certainly be a great step for the 29-year-old.

The Hammers are in a transition phase right now but once Pellegrini and his men are set, they will be capable of working wonders in the English top-flight. Considering Pastore’s skills and qualities on the field, he would be a brilliant addition to their squad this summer.

West Ham went through a series of ups and downs last season but they were fortunate enough to have appointed David Moyes as their manager at the right time. More than anything else, he knows how to steady sinking ships and he did the same for the London-based outfit.

However, their agenda was to merely survive last season and they did that. From next season, West Ham must challenge for a lot more but to do so, they need to sort out their midfield.

Despite being faced with a severe shortage of game time last season, Pastore managed to contribute 5 goals and 5 assists. His passing skills are sublime and the midfielder appears to have a penchant for making short yet effective passes which help in maintaining fluidity in the game.

Pastore’s ball-retention skills are quite impressive as well and he is incredibly versatile. In fact, the Argentinian appeared on the left-wing, as an attacking midfielder and as a central midfielder in the recently concluded campaign.

The Hammers could truly utilise a player like him. With Manuel Lanzini out with an injury, they will require a backup ahead of the new season. Furthermore, West Ham often lacked an attacking outlet in the midfield area last term but with Pastore in the mix, their woes would reduce to a great extent.

Hence, although reports claim the midfielder has agreed to personal terms with Roma, West Ham must find a way to lure him to London.