Former Lazio striker Zarate joins West Ham

Mauro Zarate of Argentina's Velez Sarsfield reacts after missing a chance to score during their Copa Libertadores soccer match against Paraguay's Nacional in Buenos Aires April 29, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

(Reuters) - Former Lazio and Inter Milan forward Mauro Zarate will return to the English Premier League next season after agreeing a three-year contract with West Ham United, the London club said on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Argentine, who scored four goals in 14 matches on loan to Birmingham City in the Premier League in 2008, returns to England after a prolific season with Velez Sarsfield in which he scored 20 goals in all competitions.