Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp lining up transfer raid on West Ham but will face competition from Man City
LIVERPOOL and Manchester City are both monitoring West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd ahead of next summer.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be planning a defensive rebuild following this summer‘s overhaul of his midfield.
And Morocco international Aguerd is being closely watched by recruitment chiefs at Anfield.
The 27-year-old, who scored and was sent off in West Ham’s win over Chelsea last month, arrived at the London Stadium from Rennes in a £30million deal last summer.
Aguerd was viewed as a key addition to David Moyes‘ back four as a left-footed defender, bringing balance to the central pairing.
A pre-season injury, having just joined the Hammers, was a huge blow and contributed to their poor start to the Premier League season.
Having returned in the final game before the World Cup break, where he was again injured with Morocco, Aguerd went on to start 17 league games last season.
His impressive form has attracted interest and with Klopp looking to invest at the back in the next summer window, Aguerd will be high on the list.
Two of Liverpool‘s four central defenders are over 30, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both 32.
Joe Gomez is 26 but has struggled to establish himself when given the chance, while Ibrahima Konate is 24 but has struggled with injuries.
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Klopp could face competition from rivals City, who admire Aguerd but have a less pressing need to invest at the back.
Aguerd was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this week but there was no chance of the Hammers selling such a key asset this summer.
The Moroccan has amassed a total of three goals in 33 appearances with West Ham ever since his arrival last year.
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