West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, with the Hammers currently engaged in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit.

What's the word?

As per 90min, the east Londoners are 'continuing to hold talks' with the French club in the hope of coming to an agreement for the Morocco international, with David Moyes 'close to agreeing a fee' for the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that the centre-back has emerged as West Ham's 'primary target' to solve their defensive woes, having been caught short this season due to a lack of depth in the centre of defence.

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Nonetheless, it is believed that one of the club's current options will still be moved on in order to accommodate the arrival of the 19-cap colossus, with previous reports suggesting that a fee of around £20m could be enough for the Irons to get their man.

West Ham's own Pique

The arrival of the former Dijon player would no doubt be a major coup for GSB, with the £8.1m-rated defender having been dubbed a "real boss" by the French media earlier this season for his impressive form, having helped his current side secure an impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The £8.9k-per-week gem netted twice and registered two assists in 31 league outings in the most recent campaign, while also averaging four clearances per game and winning 62% of his total duels.

His ability in possession could also prove hugely beneficial to Moyes' side, as he ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted and in the top 16% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues.

That ball-playing ability could mean that the east Londoners may well have their own Gerard Pique on their hands, with the pair noted as similar players by FBRef due to their closely mirrored statistical profiles.

While at 34 the Barcelona icon may no longer be quite at his peak, it is Aguerd (30) who made more tackles than the Spaniard (22) in the league in 2021/22, while the Rennes defender has also come out on top for interceptions made (54 to 35).

If the West Ham target can enjoy even a fraction of the success that the Spanish legend has had, then the Premier League side will be in for a treat with Aguerd, with it rare that such a commodity comes available for what is seemingly a relative bargain price.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on "strong" £40k-p/w West Ham flop