AliousSunderland Eye Bold Defensive Reinforcement as Transfer Deadline Looms
Sunderland are making a late push to reinforce their backline, with West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd emerging as a priority option, according to Foot Mercato.
The newly-promoted Premier League side are eager to add experience and solidity before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, and the 29-year-old Moroccan is now firmly on their radar.
Aguerd is understood to be attracting attention from several clubs, but Sunderland hope to steal a march in the race for his signature.
It has been a frustrating summer for the Wearside outfit in their search for a central defender.
Efforts to land Frenchmen Baofdé Diakité and Loïc Badé both fell through, leaving the Black Cats short of their desired reinforcements.
The club will be hoping their fortunes change with Aguerd, who would bring both pedigree and versatility.
The former Rennes defender spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, gaining valuable La Liga experience, but he does not appear to feature in Graham Potter’s long-term plans at West Ham.
With the clock ticking and the London club open to his departure, a move away from the capital looks increasingly likely.
Aguerd’s situation makes him one of the more intriguing names to watch as the final days of the transfer window unfold.
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