Sunderland have set the Black Cats among the pigeons after it emerged they have entered the race to sign West Ham outcast Nayef Aguerd.
Hammers News exclusive
Newly-promoted Sunderland have become something of a worry for West Ham.
Paul Merson thinks Sunderland will stay up ahead of the Hammers.
The Black Cats have since beaten West Ham to alleged Graham Potter target Habib Diarra while making a number of other impressive signings.
Meanwhile Potter has only been able to watch with the Hammers yet to make a single signing for the first team.
That’s because West Ham have made it clear they must sell to buy and, as yet, no players have been offloaded.
Sunderland enter the running for West Ham outcast Aguerd
Just as the sale of Jobe Bellingham has helped Sunderland to spend big on signings, the Hammers are banking on Mohammed Kudus enabling them to finally enter the market.
Nayef Aguerd and several others are also up for sale at West Ham with the ultimate plan to raise around £100m in outgoings to fund Potter’s overhaul.
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One position the 50-year-old is keen to strengthen is left-sided centre-back.
That’s because Aguerd, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, has no future with the Hammers.
Nayef Aguerd in action for Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
A number of other clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Juventus, Marseille and even Real Madrid have been linked with Aguerd.
There was a major boost for Potter on Monday as West Ham edge closer to an Aguerd solution.
That was after it emerged Marseille have now made signing Aguerd their next priority.
Enter Sunderland, who Foot Mercato claim have now joined the queue to land Aguerd.
The report claims the Black Cats ‘have fallen under Aguerd’s spell’ and have ‘taken the temperature’ of a potential deal.
Aguerd’s stance revealed as Sunderland make shock move
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris will know all about Aguerd as they are both former Rennes players.
The Hammers parted with £30m to bring the Moroccan international to east London from Rennes.
But he struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, hence West Ham’s decision to loan him out to La Liga last season.
Aguerd formed a partnership that was partly responsible for West Ham shipping their Premier League record worst 74 goals the season before last.
Foot Mercato report that it remains to be seen whether Sunderland appeal to Aguerd and whether West Ham, will agree to sell the 29-year-old to a Premier League rival.
Nayef Aguerd complains during West Ham's clash against Burnley
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
It is also stated ‘West Ham can rub their hands with glee with Aguerd’ given Sunderland have joined a lengthening queue.
It is claimed Aguerd has not yet made his choice.
The development adds another layer of intrigue to the situation with West Ham looking for at least £15-17m for Aguerd and Sunderland spending big.
Now Aguerd’s stance has been revealed as Sunderland make a shock move for the West Ham outcast.
Amid speculation Potter wanted to reintegrate the defender into the squad, Hammers News was the first to reveal Aguerd had no intention of returning to play for West Ham again.
It was confirmed by top club sources Aguerd requested not to return to training with West Ham for pre-season, so as not to risk an injury which could jeopardise a move.
‘The lad just doesn’t want to be here’
And sure enough Aguerd did report back to Rush Green on Monday, as confirmed on West Ham’s website, but he did not take part in full training.
When ruling out Aguerd staying at West Ham, a top source close to the situation told Hammers News the player’s thinking will impact Sunderland’s hopes of beating the likes of Marseille.
“The lad just doesn’t want to be in England, he doesn’t want to play in the Premier League, it’s nothing to do with Potter,” the source revealed.
“He wants to play in another country, so moving up north (to Sunderland) from London is not going to be an option for Aguerd.
“Although it’s good for him and West Ham as it helps drive a better deal in any negotiations.”