West Ham have reportedly begun ‘preliminary talks’ with French Ligue 1 side Rennes over signing defender Nayef Aguerd.
Irons’ boss David Moyes has seemingly prioritised a centre-back arrival this summer after Fabian Balbuena left the club as a free agent.
Linked with a host of names such as Nikola Maksimovic and James Tarkowski, Moroccan international Aguerd now looks to be the number one target.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, as cited by West Ham News & Views on Twitter.
Twitter: West Ham have opened preliminary talks with Rennes over signing centre back Nayef Aguerd.
[ Football Insider ]… https://t.co/57BgGEosiQ (@WestHamViews_)
The report claims that the Hammers have received ‘glowing’ recommendations from scouts of the eight-cap 25-year-old.
Last season the versatile ace made 40 appearances across all competitions – including four in the UEFA Champions League.
Aguerd also earned an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.07 in 38 league outings last term, placing the Morrocan among the top 50 ranked players in the top-flight.
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Valued at £7.3million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), West Ham would have to offer a large profit on Rennes’ £3.6million expenditure.
Capable of playing left-back as well as centrally, in many ways Aguerd would be the ideal signing at the London Stadium this summer in order to provide additional cover for Aaron Cresswell.
Credited with excellent passing and aerial ability, the international star looks to have the pedigree to make the step to England.
