West Ham are putting the finishing touches on a deal for Rennes central defender Nayef Aguerd, 90min understands.
The Hammers are keen to strengthen their defensive options ahead of a second consecutive season in European competition, having seen their run to the 2021/22 Europa League semi-final disrupted by injuries to Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna.
26-year-old Aguerd has been a long-term option for West Ham and the club quickly identified him as a primary transfer target for this summer - opening talks over a permanent deal last month.
Negotiations have been ongoing with Rennes and the player's representatives since then and 90min understands that West Ham are now close to completing the move.
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Aguerd, who played 31 Ligue 1 games for Rennes last year and also featured in the Europa Conference League, has flown to London to undergo a medical after being away on international duty with Morocco and, barring any complications, he should be presented as West Ham's first major signing of the summer.
The deal could end up costing West Ham £30m plus add-ons but is unlikely to be the only bit of business concluded by manager David Moyes.
Indeed, West Ham remain hopeful of signing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell last season, and there are also ambitions to strengthen in central midfield and up front.
Raphinha, Keane Lewis-Potter and Josh Brownhill are just three of a number of players West Ham are considering making bids for, while the club are also hopeful of fending off interest in star duo Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.
Source : 90min