West Ham ‘closing’ on long-term transfer target as deal draws near

West Ham United have reportedly increased an offer to land one of their key transfer targets this summer.

Hammers manager David Moyes has been a long-term admirer of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd and tried to sign the Morocco international last summer.

The 26-year-old centre-back opted against a move to the London Stadium but there is renewed confidence a deal can be completed in the near future after the Hammers upped their offer to around £25million.

MailOnline are reporting the deal has moved closer in recent days and will spark the departure of Issa Diop if it is completed.

The former Toulouse centre-back currently has one year left on his Hammers contract and is said to be the subject of interest from Serie A club Lazio.

Aguerd has impressed once again in France’s top tier as he made 40 appearances to help Rennes end the season in fourth place and secure a place in next season’s Europa League.

Moyes is believed to be keen to strengthen his defensive ranks in preparation for the new campaign after Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson both spent time on the sidelines last season.

Moyes has also been linked with a move for Burnley defender James Tarkowski as he approaches the final weeks of his current contract with the recently relegated Clarets.

However, the interest is said to have waned in recent weeks as the Hammers boss turns his focus towards a move for Aguerd.

One deal that is believed to be on the brink of completion is a permanent move for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The Paris Saint Germain stopper spent last season on loan at the London Stadium and all but 11 of his 18 Hammers appearances during the club’s run to the last four of the Europa League.

Reports now suggest Moyes is keen to activate a clause in his loan deal in order to make Areola a permanent member of his squad.