West Ham closing in on £25m Rennes signing after pulling out of Tarkowski race
West Ham hope to sign Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd in the next few days – after pulling out of the race for James Tarkowski.
The Hammers had three bids for Burnley centre-back Tarkowski turned down two years ago and were expected to go back in for him this summer when his contract expires. But the former England centre back will be 30 this year and has already been offered £120,000-a-week by Aston Villa, with Everton and Fulham also interested.
So Hammers boss David Moyes has switched his sights to Morocco star Aguerd, who has just turned 26, and talks are now at an advanced stage. Aguerd, who is rated at around £25million, fits the bill for Moyes because he is left-footed and can also fill in at left-back if necessary.
The West Ham boss made up his mind about him on a recent scouting trip to France, and the club hope negotiations can be concluded quickly. Hammers left-back Arthur Masuaku is set to leave the club this summer, and 33-year-old centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has been out of action for months with a serious knee injury.
Aguerd played 40 games for Rennes this season and impressed against Tottenham and Leicester in the Europa Conference League. West Ham are also trying to buy a striker – and have been told that Sevilla are now prepared to accept around £25m for long-time target Youssef En-Nesyri.
The Hammers had a bid around that mark rejected by the Spanish club in January of last year, but it is understood they have moved on to other targets. Villa star Ollie Watkins and Arsenal misfit Eddie Nketiah are both on West Ham's radar instead as they look to reinforce next season.
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