Scaloni eyes Hammers reunion

Argentina international Lionel Scaloni has told skysports.com he still hopes to return to West Ham United in the future.

The 28-year-old played on loan at Upton Park for the second half of last season, as The Hammers finished ninth in their first season back in The Premiership.

He has since signed for Racing Santander on a year-long deal after negotiating his release from Deportivo La Coruna.

Racing have got off to a poor start so far, but claimed their first victory of the season away against Osasuna at the weekend and Scaloni remains upbeat about the team's prospects.

"Adapting to Racing has been very easy, because the club is similar to La Coruna," Scaloni told skysports.com exclusively.

"I expect us to finish mid-table and to have a season without too many problems.

"Maybe our victory last Sunday changed things."

But the South American obviously still holds a great affinity with Upton Park, having helped convince his World Cup team-mates to join the club this summer.

"West Ham was a great experience for me, and I would loved to have stayed but, unfortunately, La Coruna asked for too much money for my transfer," Scaloni continued.

"Life there was great. I discovered the fantastic city of London and The Premiership is definitely an impressive league.

"I didn't experience anything negative in my stay. It is a great and very welcoming club. I hope to experience it another time in the future, who knows?

"I told Javier Mascherano and Carlitos Tevez, who are very good friends of mine, that going there was a very good thing for them. They are very happy there, and I am sure they will prove their talent."

Scaloni has also confirmed Marseille were interested in securing his services over the summer, but were priced out of a deal by Deportivo.

Still the player holds no grudge against his old club, although he has ruled out any chance of a permanent return to the Riazor.

"I could have joined Marseille this summer. We had an agreement for three seasons, but like every time, unfortunately, La Coruna asked for a fee that was too expensive," he added.

"And now Marseille have signed somebody else. But the contact still exists.

"I am very attached to La Coruna. To the city, the fans, I only remember the good times, when we have won titles like the Copa and the SuperCopa."

For now though, Scaloni must content himself with life in La Liga, as the Estadio El Sardinero outfit face a crucial trip to take on fellow strugglers Espanyol on Sunday.