Sky Sports: Newcastle now attempting to hijack £20m move midway through medical

Earlier today, a couple of West Ham sites claimed to have inside information that Newcastle were trying to hijack their move for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

A few hours later, Sky Sports have now confirmed that we have shown late interest in the 26-year-old centre-back.

As revealed by Sky correspondent Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham have agreed a £20m deal and the player has already completed the first part of his medical, however he claims they now have competition from Newcastle for the Moroccan's signature.

He's expected in London tomorrow to undergo the second part of his medical, so it remains to be seen how late interest from St James' Park will impact his proposed move to the London Stadium.

Interestingly, Aguerd is a left-sided centre-back - the same as Sven Botman - so it makes you wonder if our move for the Lille giant really has hit trouble.

Either that or we are trying to show Lille we aren't scared to pursue alternatives should they continue to mess us about!