Liverpool ‘eye move to sign Nayef Aguerd’ but Man City could scupper transfer

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd. However, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are also said to be admirers of the Morocco international.

Liverpool were in the market for a left-footed centre-back during the summer transfer window. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill was one of their top targets but the young defender decided to stay at Stamford Bridge and sign a new contract.

Jurgen Klopp focused much of his attention on recruiting an entire new midfield. Four players were brought in for combined fees of around £145million.

Ryan Gravenberch was a late addition on deadline day from Bayern Munich. But the Reds’ attempts to sign a centre-back proved to be fruitless.

Klopp’s lack of depth at the back has already been shown up this season with Virgil van Dijk missing through suspension and Ibrahima Konate out injured. That leaves Joel Matip and Joe Gomez as the only available senior options.

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And it appears plans are already being put in place for potential future signings. The Sun claims Aguerd is being closely watched by Liverpool ahead of a possible raid on West Ham.

Aguerd is left-footed and is five years younger than both Van Dijk and Matip at the age of 27. However, the same report says that City are also admirers of the former Rennes star.

City’s need for new defenders is not as great as Liverpool’s after signing Josko Gvardiol for £77m in July. But Pep Guardiola’s side are currently the most attractive club in England to join as they aim for a fourth successive Premier League title having won the treble last term.

Aguerd joined West Ham in 2022 for a fee of £30m but made just 17 Premier League starts due to injury. He was linked with a late move to the Saudi Pro League this summer but a deal to Al-Ittihad failed to materialise.

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Defence looks set to be the next area Klopp looks to rebuild. Reds legend Jamie Carragher said last month that his old club were in need of bringing in at least one defender.

Carragher told Sky Sports: “It’s what type of defender you bring in. Is it a young player to get on the ball, bring it out from the back, maybe a left footer to provide Liverpool with a bit of balance?

“But I just look at all the defenders now, and the real defender is Andy Robertson. He’s been the star, getting after people, but he’s been running up and down that line for five or six years now. It takes its toll.

“So I just think they’re going to be asked questions more and without the protection they need, they need someone to steady the ship in there and win one-versus-one battles, rather than get forward. They need a real defender, an out-and-out defender who can play right across that back four.”

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