West Ham United are ‘continuing to hold talks’ with Rennes over the signing of defender Nayef Aguerd, reports 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.
The Lowdown: Moyes wants a defender
David Moyes is keen to bring a fresh centre-back to the Hammers this summer, after his squad suffered from a series of injuries in the position throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Most notably, Angelo Ogbonna sustained a cruciate ligament rupture back in November, which rendered him out of action until the end of the season.
Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop also spent time on the treatment table; at one point, Craig Dawson was the only senior centre-back available for selection.
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The Latest: Irons nearing deal for Aguerd
According to a recent report by 90min, the Hammers are continuing to hold talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal for Aguerd, and the clubs are now close to agreeing a fee for the 26-year-old.
Taking to Twitter, 90min journalist Cudworth shared the news, claiming:
“WHUFC continuing to hold talks with Rennes over 26/yo left-sided centre-back Nayef Aguerd and an agreement over a fee is nearing.”
The Verdict: Shrewd signing
The French media previously claimed that Aguerd was the “real boss” at Rennes, while the Ligue 1 club’s former manager Julien Stephen said that the player is a “cerebral person” - illustrating how highly thought of he is in France.
Averaging four clearances a game in the French top-flight and ranking in the 93rd percentile for assists as a centre-half, the 26-year-old clearly has the talent to make the switch to the Premier League.
With The Guardian reporting a fee around the £20m mark, Moyes could be making a shrewd signing in Aguerd.
In other news: West Ham: Daily Mail share big Lingard transfer update