Another West Ham star is wanted by Liverpool as part of a Jurgen Klopp succession plan as an ex Hammers reporter makes a Nayef Aguerd claim.
When the Saudi Pro League window closed last week we warned here on Hammers News that West Ham have not heard the last of interest in Nayef Aguerd.
And that is already proving to be the case, except with a threat much closer to home for the Hammers in the shape of Liverpool.
Aguerd was being targeted by Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, who signed Fabinho from Liverpool in the summer and wanted Reds star Mo Salah too.
Another West Ham star wanted by Liverpool as part of Jurgen Klopp succession plan as ex Hammers reporter makes Nayef Aguerd claim
As a left-footed, ball playing centre-back, Aguerd is a particularly rare commodity in the modern game. And with Saudi sides also specifically targeting elite Muslim players as part of their recruitment drive, the interest in West Ham’s £30m man is hardly surprising.
Now it seems West Ham have more than just the Saudi threat to worry about when it comes to their Moroccan centre-back.
Because another West Ham star wanted by Liverpool as part of a Jurgen Klopp succession plan as an ex Hammers reporter makes a big Aguerd claim.
Jack Rosser used to be The Evening Standard’s West Ham reporter and has contacts at the club.
Now working for The Sun, Rosser claims Klopp has identified Hammers ace Aguerd as the man to bring in to help succeed ageing duo Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip – both 33 before next season.
‘Aguerd is being closely watched by recruitment chiefs at Anfield’
Rosser claims Klopp has been impressed by the West Ham star and wants to base his defensive rebuild around the 27-year-old.
“Morocco international Aguerd is being closely watched by recruitment chiefs at Anfield,” Rosser said.
“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.”
First Bowen, now Aguerd as Klopp stalks Hammers
Rosser claims Liverpool – and West Ham in their bid to keep hold of Aguerd – do face a threat from defending champions Man City, though.
He claims Pep Guardiola “admires” Aguerd but has a “less pressing” need to reinforce at the back.
Aguerd is not the only West Ham player catching the eye of Liverpool and Klopp as fans will know only too well.
Klopp has spoken publicly about his admiration for Jarrod Bowen.
And it has long been reported – including recently by The Athletic – that the Reds want him as Salah’s long-term successor.