TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has delivered an update on West Ham United's pursuit of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd.
The lowdown: West Ham interested in Aguerd
This comes following a report from Le Parisien (via Get French Football News) last week claiming that the Hammers were progressing in their chase to sign the 26-year-old.
It has since been claimed that David Moyes views the Moroccan as a priority this summer, as the Irons manager attempts to bolster a problem area in the London Stadium squad.
One informed onlooker has now provided the latest situation surrounding this potential deal...
The latest: Crook on Aguerd
Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer specialist Crook claimed that West Ham could tie up a move for Aguerd in the near future, whilst also ruling out a swoop for one Premier League defender who has been linked with the east Londoners.
He said: “I’m not convinced Michael Keane would be that attractive for West Ham if they’re trying to challenge for Europe again. I don’t think he had a brilliant season for Everton, maybe his best days are behind him.
“But Aguerd, they’re keen on him, they’ve scouted him quite a lot towards the back end of last season, they sent people over to France, so I’m expecting that one to happen.”
The verdict: Could be a good fit
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, Aguerd has been described as a 'monster in the air' by football consultant and writer Jonathan Fadugba, and would therefore fit the mould of what Moyes wants from a centre-back.
Last season, the 19-cap Morroco ace scored four times and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in France, highlighting his prowess in the attacking third. He also averaged an impressive 3.1 successful aerial duels and four clearances per game whilst helping his team to keep 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 (Sofascore).
Closely indexed to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk, Lille's Sven Botman and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique in terms of playing style (FBRef), signing Aguerd this summer would appear to be a superb piece of business from GSB and Moyes.
In other news: Journalist says West Ham are ‘in talks’ to sign an ‘amazing’ forward, find out more here.