Atletico Madrid face fresh transfer competition to sign Nayef Aguerd from West Ham United
Rennes could outbid Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Nayef Aguerd from West Ham United, according to Alan Nixon.
Atletico have already been linked with the Morocco international, who arrived at London Stadium in a £30million deal two years ago [Sky Sports].
While the centre-back would prefer a move to European heavyweights Atleti, his former club Rennes may leave West Ham in a difficult situation.
“Atletico Madrid are emerging as favourites to sign West Ham centre-half Nayef Aguerd in a £20million-plus swoop,” Nixon said, via The Sun on Sunday‘s print edition [2 June, page 55].
“The Spanish giants hope to agree a fee with the Hammers for the 28-year-old Moroccan, who is keen to try his luck in LaLiga.
“Aguerd’s old club Rennes want him back and could even offer more than Atletico but the player is more interested in a fresh challenge.”
West Ham face Nayef Aguerd transfer decision
Given the Irons paid £30m for Aguerd just a couple of years ago, they will not want to lose too much on that fee.
A “£20m-plus swoop” could be anything from £20.1m to £29.9m, but it is hard to see any club offering much more than the former of the two.
United could do with upgrading in the heart of defence this summer, and that could be possible if a sizable fee is brought in for Aguerd.
As for the player himself, he may be more open to joining Atletico Madrid, but it may well be that Rennes come in with a bigger offer.
If that is the case, Aguerd would then have to decide on whether he wants to remain at London Stadium or return to Ligue 1.
There is clearly interest in the 28-year-old, however, and that can only be a good thing for the Irons as it will surely only drive up his valuation.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie has named a Scotland international he would love the Irons to sign.
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