Exclusive by Sean Whetstone
West Ham transfer target, left sided central defender Naif Aguerd from Rennes flew into east London for talks with the Hammers ClaretandHugh understands.
We broke the news exclusively on Monday that the player was close to joining the club and that a fee was almost agreed at around £30 million euros.
The clandestine meeting happened in the last 48 hours with the Moroccan flying back to France afterwards.
David Moyes has been a long time admirer of the 26-year-old and flew to France earlier this year to personally watch him play in the French league.
This first transfer is said to be heavily influenced by Rob Newman who accompanied Moyes on his scouting trip across the channel.
The Hammers are said to be quietly confident they can agree the fee with Rennes as well as personal terms with Aguerd.
Moyes is understood to have passed on an option to sign right sided James Tarkowski from relegated Burnley instead, wanting a left-sided centre back who is younger than the 29-year-old Burnley defender.
Hugh/Sean
Has he been on gone or is he still in London.
Returning for a medical at some point ?
Flown back no reason to stay Boleyn. May have been medical
You’re taking the glory for this story, but are you taking the fall for the 10’s or hundreds of “calls” on transfers that you publish every single month….
And?