French outlet Ouest France claim bonuses are holding up a deal between West Ham and Rennes for defender Nayef Aguerd. A deal currently on the table could reach as much as £34million this summer.
Aguerd, 26, has been identified as a player the Hammers are keen to sign. The 19-time Morocco international has starred for Rennes over the past two seasons, clocking up 80 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.
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He has helped Rennes keep 24 clean sheets in that time, and even had a hand in 11 goals – scoring seven and laying on four assists. Reports last week said that David Moyes was keen to have a deal done by now.
But the latest reports say a deal is being held up over bonuses. The Hammers do not want to overpay for Aguerd, with a deal potentially reaching between £30million and £34million if all bonuses are met.
Bonuses holding up West Ham deal for Aguerd, £34m expensive
Aguerd is a top defender but £34million is way too expensive. He is a player worth, at most, between £20million and £25million. It means that the bonuses have got to be somewhat unachievable.
The Hammers do need a central defender with Issa Diop likely to go, doubts surrounding Angelo Ogbonna given his season-long injury – and even concerns over the future of in-form Englishman Craig Dawson.
Aguerd fits the West Ham criteria perfectly – good on the ball, excellent in the air and a threat in both boxes. But at £34million, West Ham should be prepared to walk away from the negotiating table.
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