West Ham step up efforts to bring Rennes and Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd to the London Stadium in a planned £15m summer deal

  • West Ham are looking to add depth to their squad after an encouraging season
  • They finished seventh in the Premier League and reached a European semi final
  • The Hammers have been badly affected by injuries to their central defenders
  • At one point in the season Craig Dawson was their only available centre back

West Ham have stepped up talks over a £15million deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

The Morocco international has been on the radar of manager David Moyes for over a year and the 26-year-old is eager to move to London.

Moyes wanted a centre-back who can provide balance on the left as well as pace. Aguerd is also good technically and decent in the air. He impressed for his country at the African Cup of Nations and has 19 caps.

Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd impressed for Morocco at the African Cup of Nations

Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd impressed for Morocco at the African Cup of Nations

West Ham manager David Moyes will be looking to add depth after an encouraging season

West Ham manager David Moyes will be looking to add depth after an encouraging season

West Ham have four Premier League-proven centre backs in their squad, with Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna. 


However, Ogbonna has been out with a knee injury since November, and injuries to the rest of the back line meant Craig Dawson was the Hammers' only fit centre back at one point.

Adding depth will be a vital part of David Moyes' plan moving forward, as many felt West Ham's exit from the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt stemmed from the squad's lack of legs in the latter part of the season.

It was still a good year for the Hammers, finishing seventh in the league and reaching a European semi-final, but signings like Aguerd could be key to taking the side further. 

West Ham may also be looking to strengthen in midfield to account for the retiring Mark Noble, and sign a permanent goalkeeper as Alphonse Areola's loan from PSG comes to an end.

Fulham are interested in West Ham's versatile wing-back Arthur Masuaku as well as Aston Villa's left-back Matt Targett.