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.
