West Ham have returned their attention to a trio of defenders after their move for Chelsea's Kurt Zouma failed with the Blues defender unable to come to an agreement over salary.
The Hammers and Chelsea are understood to have come to a consensus over the transfer of the Frenchman but the Champions League winning centre-back was unable to come to terms with the club over his wage demands.
With the French Euro 2020 squad member now seemingly out of West Ham's grasp David Moyes has returned his attention to a trio of foreign based centre-backs as he aims to strengthen his defence.
Talks over a move for Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic are understood to be continuing. The 23-year-old is in demand with Italian giants Juventus also reported to be in the chase along with interest from Sevilla, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the Hammers are believed to be in the driving seat for the Fiorentina star and will continue their pursuit of the Serbian international.
West Ham still retain an interest in Duje Caleta-Car of Marseille but as with Milenkovic the Hammers are not the only potential suitors with Spurs also heavily linked to the defender.
The Hammers are also believed to be in the market for Nayef Aguerd in a deal that would cost the Hammers a fee in the region of between £15million-£20million.
The Moroccan international has experience in the Champions League for Rennes and is equally comfortable at left-back as well as his more regular starting spot in the heart of defence.
According to data analytics providers soccerment, one of Aguerd's key attributes is his passing ability with the defender completing 94.4% of passes in his own half, while in the opposition half he reaches an accuracy of 83.6% which is significantly higher than the average of centre backs, 67.8%.
Aguerd is also strong in the air, ranking 6th in Ligue 1 last season for aerial duels won and has notched four headed goals during his career in France.
A deal for Milenkovic is the most likely of the trio but despite the collapse of the Zouma deal West Ham still have options in the transfer market when it comes to strengthen their already solid backline.
