By Kevin Campbell

9th Dec, 2022 | 12:56pm

Pundit 'sure' on West Ham sealing January deal as insider reveals Nayef Aguerd twist

Kevin Campbell has claimed West Ham will look to January for defensive signings even if Nayef Aguerd’s injury is not “too serious”.

The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed David Moyes will not want to be caught “short-handed” with the Irons struggling for form at present.

Aguerd limped off with a thigh problem for Morocco against Spain on Tuesday (6 December) – a concerning sight for West Ham, who already have Kurt Zouma on the treatment table following knee surgery.

According to club insiders Claret and Hugh (7 December), Aguerd has a low-grade thigh tear but the Irons fear he could aggravate his injury by playing in Saturday’s (10 December) World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

The centre-back was released for the tournament in Qatar despite making just one start for West Ham since joining in the summer window.

Aguerd, who cost the Hammers a reported £30million, suffered a serious ankle injury during a pre-season friendly against Rangers in July.

Ageing stars Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna have also struggled for fitness in the 2022-23 campaign.

Campbell told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This is the curse of the World Cup coming again.

“It’s part and parcel of the tournament coming in the middle of the season. It’s really gone against West Ham on this occasion.

“January is just around the corner, and I’m sure David Moyes and his staff are looking at reinforcements to come in and stabilise that defence.

“This Aguerd injury may not end up being too serious, but they’ll have learned their lesson. They won’t want to be caught short-handed for the rest of the season.”

In other news, pundit tells Declan Rice to sign for Liverpool after “top” interview reveal.