- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
As part of Julen Lopetegui’s changes, West Ham United would be willing to allow Kurt Zouma and one of his teammates to depart this summer.
Lopetegui is thought to want to add numbers and quality to his new squad, deeming David Moyes’ crop insufficient for his ambitions.
As was the case in Moyes’ final season, Tim Steidten will be tasked with delivering those signings, perhaps now having more jurisdiction over the club’s decision-making.
Although West Ham’s squad is already deemed low on numbers by their new boss, players could depart before new arrivals are welcomed.
And to that end, TBR Football understands that West Ham are open to Nayef Aguerd leaving the club this summer.
TBR can confirm that Aguerd has interest from Saudi Arabia, two years after the 28-year-old joined the club from Stade Rennais for £30m.
West Ham’s main target to come in as a replacement is Lopetegui’s former player, Max Kilman.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have rejected one offer from the club for their captain, but are continuing talks with the Hammers.
West Ham willing to sell centre-back duo Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd
TBR can also confirm that suggestions that Kurt Zouma would be allowed to leave West Ham this summer are accurate.
However, TBR can exclusively reveal that Zouma is in no hurry to depart the London Stadium.
Zouma’s stance comes after the defender turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League last summer.
West Ham had agreed a deal with the Saudi club, and covering Zouma’s wages wouldn’t have been a problem, however, the defender said no.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if any new opportunity would appeal to the West Ham captain this summer, whose contract has one-year remaining as of Sunday.
Of course, news that West Ham would be willing to sell both Aguerd and Zouma is pretty significant, given the pair are arguably still the club’s strongest duo.
Konstantinos Mavropanos was afforded a lot of game time towards the end of the season, and may dispute that claim.
But either way, the club’s willingness to part ways with the pair in the same summer perhaps delineates how committed West Ham are to supporting Lopetegui’s plans.
All that being said, West Ham are now said to be interested in an attacking midfielder who’s been compared to Eden Hazard.