West Ham United wages knock club out of transfer race to sign Nayef Aguerd this summer
Lille are out of the running to sign Nayef Aguerd from West Ham this summer, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet reported via their website on 21 July that the French club cannot afford the defender’s wages which are well above what they can offer and the Moroccan himself is not interested from a sporting perspective.
The Hammers are reportedly seeking only €20million [£16.86m] for a player they spent £30m to bring in from Rennes just two seasons ago [Sky Sports] and failed with an offer to offload him to Nice as part of a swap deal for Jean-Clair Todibo.
Atletico Madrid have entered talks to sign him but there remains a gap between the clubs over whether it would be a permanent deal or a loan without an obligation.
West Ham look to sell Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma after Max Kilman signing
Premier League riches are all well and good when it comes to offering inflated fees and contracts for incoming signings but necessarily make it harder to shift unwanted players.
That Aguerd was signed from Rennes but is apparently now an impossible target for another Ligue 1 side who are arguably bigger shows the issue the Irons have.
Atletico surely can afford the 28-year-old’s personal terms but whether they are willing to make a permanent commitment after some indifferent form at the London Stadium remains to be seen.
Tim Steidten has already brought in Max Kilman from Wolves for Julen Lopetegui’s back line and has been pushing for a second such as Todibo.
But he surely needs to find exit deals for Aguerd and likely also Kurt Zouma [Times, 28 May] to help clear the way and that is easier said than done.
Both are said to have interest in the Saudi Pro League [Sky Sports, 5 July] where the financial might is potentially unmatched and could be the preferred route to secure agreements.
In other West Ham news, a top Irons target has been offered to Chelsea and Arsenal despite talks over a London Stadium move.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.