West Ham blocked a late deal for Nayef Aguerd to join Al Ittihad, while Liverpool could move for the defender in January, according to one report.
Football Insider claim that Morocco international Aguerd was the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad during the final days of the transfer window.
It is reported that David Moyes’ side ‘refused to entertain a formal offer’ as Al Ittihad’s interest didn’t come until after the European transfer window had closed on 1 September, when they would not be able to sign a replacement.
The situation is reminiscent of Al Ittihad’s pursuit of Mohamed Salah, with the Reds’ rejecting an offer worth up to £150m and refusing to engage in a deal for the Egyptian.
While moves for Salah and Aguerd ultimately failed, Al Ittihad landed Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe from Real Betis on Saudi deadline day likely ending their centre-back search for now.
However, Football Insider claim that Liverpool and Manchester City could both ‘join the race’ for Aguerd in January, though it is not speculated how willing West Ham would be to do business.
27-year-old Aguerd only joined West Ham in a £30m deal last summer and has a contract until 2027.
After a slow start in England, the former Rennes star impressed in the Hammers’ Conference League winning campaign last season and has started 2023/24 with a goal in three outings – though he was also sent off in his side’s 3-1 win over Chelsea last month.
Liverpool are known to be on the lookout for a left-sided centre-back to boost their defensive options.
The likes of Levi Colwill and Piero Hincapie were on the Reds’ radar over the summer, though ultimately neither signed and recruitment was focussed on the midfield rebuild.
Liverpool’s defence is likely to be the major talking point of the next transfer windows, however, with Joel Matip’s contract expiring next summer and Ibrahima Konate’s fitness continuing to be an issue.
In addition to Aguerd, Liverpool have also been linked with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen recently.
The winger’s current contract at the London Stadium is due to expire in 2025.
