West Ham ready to bolster defence with capture of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd

West Ham United are close to making centre-back Nayef Aguerd their first signing of the summer, with David Moyes eager to strengthen his defence ahead of another season in European competition.

Moyes has been desperate to add a left-footed centre-back to his squad and has gone back for Aguerd, who will cost in the region of £25 million, a year after first trying to sign the Morocco international.

Aguerd has been a regular for Rennes since joining the French side from Dijon in 2020. In time he will expect to become the first-choice defensive partner for Kurt Zouma, and his arrival will provide more competition for Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop.

The signing of Aguerd, if completed as expected, could result in the departure of Diop from the London Stadium, where he has just one year remaining on his current deal.

West Ham are also expected to make permanent the signing of Alphonse Areola, who impressed Moyes during his loan from Paris St-Germain this season.

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