Nayef Aguerd has made a formal announcement ahead of his move to West Ham.

The Moroccan defender has taken to social media to say a fond farewell to Rennes, who he will be departing after joining in 2020.

Aguerd, who West Ham are hoping to announce officially soon, said:

“It is with great emotion that I announce that I played my last match under the colors of Rennes.

”It’s a difficult decision as I have spent exceptional times here since my arrival at the club in August 2020.

“Between the discovery of the Champions League together, the qualification for the Conference Leaque last season, the snatch in the Europa League this season, the boiling atmospheres of Roazhon Park against PSG, Lyon, Leicester or OM

“I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the components of the club. My teammates with whom I have fought 80 fights these last 2 seasons and who are and will remain for me a 2nd family.

”The supporters, RCK in the lead, for their unwavering support in the good times like in bad times.

”The shareholder, Mr Pinault, who allows the club to grow day by day and to be respected not only in France but also on the European scene.

“The management of the club: Nicolas Holveck to whom I wish the most beautiful victory in his constant fight against illness and Olivier Cloarec with whom our paths have been following each other since 2018 in Dijon.

”Florian Maurice who came to pick me up in Dion and for whom words are not enough is not enough to describe our relationship.

”Julien Stéphan, Bruno Génésio and all of their staff, two very high level coaches both in football and in human terms.

”All of the club’s employees who allowed us to work in an extremely healthy environment.

”I gave everything from the 1st to the last day in matches and in training, on and off the pitch and will be your 1st supporter.

”I sincerely wish you the best.”

It is certainly another big positive step as West Ham edge forward more in securing a key target for David Moyes this summer.