Nayef Aguerd final transfer belief emerges after Newcastle hijack attempt on West Ham

Nayef Aguerd is expecting to sign for West Ham if he passes his medical despite a late transfer hijack attempt from Newcastle, a report has claimed.

The Rennes defender has been a Hammers target for some time as they look to add to their back line. He played 40 games last season, including 31 in Ligue 1, as Rennes secured Europa League football for next season.

West Ham subsequently latched onto a deal for him and reached an agreement over his transfer earlier this month.

Aguerd then got released by the Morocco national team. He underwent his first set of medical checks in France on Thursday.

But amid him closing in on a move to the London Stadium, Newcastle fancied their chances of signing him instead.

According to 90min, though, Aguerd still reckons he is signing for West Ham.

Indeed, the 26-year-old thinks that he will sign a long-term contract with the Hammers if he completes the second part of his medical.

Aguerd has flown into London to complete his move and West Ham also do not think Newcastle will be a threat.

Previous reports have quoted the fee for the 19-time Morocco international at an initial £20million. The Evening Standard claimed that the fee could rise ‘significantly’ if the player meets add-ons.

Newcastle try to hijack West Ham, Aguerd deal

Newcastle are also after a centre-back as manager Eddie Howe looks to take his team to the next level.

They had tried to steal in on Aguerd after becoming frustrated with their pursuit of Lille’s Sven Botman.

The Dutchman has also had long-term interest from AC Milan, but Paris Saint-Germain have since joined the conversation.

Newcastle tried their luck with Aguerd, but he is set to sign for West Ham if all goes to plan with his medical.

West Ham need new defender

Aguerd will prove a solid signing for West Ham, as they need new signings in that area.

They will want to avoid injury problems at the back, such as Angelo Ogbonna’s anterior cruciate ligament injury which kept him out for most of the season.

Even when he returns, he is not a long-term option at 34. Craig Dawson is in the same boat – he is 32 and his contract expires next summer.

Behind the pair, Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop are options, so the Hammers need more signings at the back.

Aguerd is still only 27 so has a lot more to give, with his international experience key.