Al-Ittihad have identified West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd as a new target to bolster their defence, according to Goal.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been forced to look for a new centre-back after Ahmed Hegazy suffered a serious knee injury and is set to be out of action for the rest of this year. They have to act fast as the transfer window in Saudi Arabia will close on Thursday.
It’s said the 27-year-old was offered an annual salary of €10m, which is said to be close to 10 times his current wages at the London club, but a deal still remains complicated because the Hammers are an ‘obstacle’.
The Morocco international, who has already made three appearances this season, is one of the vital players for David Moyes and his side.
Goal state the Europa Conference League winners are refusing to sell the centre-back as they cannot bring in a replacement for him until the window reopens in January 2024.
Aguerd’s deal lasts until 2027 and West Ham’s stance will see Al-Ittihad look at other options to replace Hegazy.
