West Ham start talks with Rennes to sign Moroccan defender
West Ham United have started preliminary talks with Rennes over the potential signing of defender Nayef Aguerd, according to reports.
According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham are keen on signing the Moroccan defender in order to strengthen their defensive options heading into the new season.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Irons, with discussions starting about what fee would be negotiated in order for a deal to happen, with West Ham wanting him at the club on a permanent deal.
The defender has impressed plenty of West Ham scouts, and they are now looking to sign the centre-back, who is also capable of playing at left-back.
Apart from Aguerd, David Moyes is also looking at Villarreal's Ramiro Funes Mori, who like Aguerd, can play at both centre-back and left-back.
This versatility and ability to play on the left side of the defence is important, with Angelo Ogbonna being the only natural left-footed centre-back, with him struggling in recent seasons with injuries and with his contract at the club expiring next summer.
Additionally, Ogbonna is 33 now, and signing a defender that is heading towards his peak like Aguerd would be a top signing for the Irons.
While West Ham have also reignited their interest in Burnley's James Tarkowski, they are fearing the possibility of being priced out of a deal, with Sean Dyche refusing to sell the 28-year-old.
Aguerd joined Rennes from Dijon last summer for around £3.6 million, having a contract that expires in 2024, and he has had an impressive campaign for the French side, racking up 40 appearances in all competitions, all at centre-back, even getting three goals and one assist this season.
