West Ham United are holding talks with giant Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd regarding a potential summer switch to the Premier League, as reported by Sport360.
While the Hammers appear to have accepted defeat in their long-running pursuit of Youssef En-Nesyri – the Sevilla striker has made it clear that he will not be leaving the La Liga giants any time soon – David Moyes’ surprise packages could find that a deal for another Morocco international will be slightly simpler by comparison.
According to Sport360, West Ham have made contact with the agent of 25-year-old Aguerd.
The London giants are waiting to find out whether the 6ft 2ins centre-half is interested in swapping Ligue 1 for the Premier League before the end of August.
And, if Aguerd is keen, West Ham will return with an offer for a man who was nominated for Marc-Vivien Foe Prize last season, an award given to the best African footballer in France.
Is Nasef Aguerd replacing Fabian Balbuena at West Ham?
Rennes paid around £4 million to sign Aguerd from Dijon last summer. The 26-year-old was a regular starter, too, for a club who finished sixth in 2020/21, qualifying for the Europa League as a result.
A ball-playing centre-half renowned for his dynamic distribution and aerial presence – Aguerd scored three times in Ligue 1 while completing 90 per cent of his passes – he will provide some competition at the heart of West Ham’s backline, replacing the out-of-contract Fabian Balbuena.
Interestingly, Rennes completed the £18 million signing of Loic ‘the new Raphael Varane’ Bade earlier this week after a brilliant breakthrough season at RC Lens (FootMercato).
And this may open the door for Aguerd to go.
