West Ham launch new £25m transfer bid as summer plans ramp up

West Ham United have made a significant move in the transfer market, launching a £25.4m bid for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. The 24-year-old center-back has emerged as a top target for new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who is looking to revamp his backline this summer.

Todibo, a former Barcelona player, has been a key figure for Nice since joining the Ligue 1 outfit in 2021. He has made over 125 appearances for the club and has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham.West Ham’s initial bid has been rejected by Nice, but the Hammers are weighing up whether to return with an improved offer. The club is keen to strengthen its defense, which conceded more goals than any other Premier League side last season.

Todibo’s potential signing would be a significant coup for West Ham, who are looking to build on their impressive finish to last season. The defender’s experience and quality would be a welcome addition to the Hammers’ backline, which has been weakened by the departure of veteran Angelo Ogbonna and the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.

Nice is willing to sell Todibo this summer, and West Ham is not the only club interested in his services. Manchester United have also been linked with the defender, but a move to Old Trafford is unlikely due to UEFA’s rules around multi-club ownership.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose petrochemical company Ineos owns Nice, has a 27.7% share in United, which complicates any potential deal.Ratcliffe has expressed his frustration with UEFA’s rules, which he believes are unfair on the player. “They (UEFA) have said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can’t sell to Manchester United,” he told Bloomberg last month. “But that’s not fair on the player, and I don’t see what that achieves.”West Ham’s pursuit of Todibo is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad this summer.

The club has already been linked with several top players, including Wolves captain Max Kilman, and is expected to make several significant signings in the coming weeks.The transfer saga is far from over, with Nice holding out for a higher price and West Ham assessing their options. One thing is certain, however: Jean-Clair Todibo is a highly sought-after player, and his destination will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.