Amina UmarWest Ham United’s pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has been given a significant boost, with the player reportedly keen on a move to the London Stadium.
Despite an initial bid being rejected, West Ham remains interested in signing the Frenchman, who is also a target for Manchester United.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, West Ham’s failed bid for Todibo was not due to a lack of interest from the player, but rather a disagreement over valuation.
The Hammers had offered £25 million for the defender, but Nice rejected the bid, seeking a higher price.Romano revealed that West Ham was never going to make a bid for Todibo without knowing he was fully on board with the project, and the player’s keenness on the move has given the Hammers a glimmer of hope.
With Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd’s futures still uncertain, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is eager to strengthen his defense, and Todibo is seen as a key addition.Manchester United’s interest in Todibo has cooled due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, which prevent them from signing players from Nice, owned by their minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
However, West Ham remains in the race, and their chances of signing Todibo have improved significantly.West Ham has also been linked to Olympique Lyonnais’ Jake O’Brien, who has emerged as an alternative center-back option. According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Hammers have accepted a £40 million offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Maximilian Kilman, but are still interested in adding more bodies to their defense.
O’Brien, a Republic of Ireland international, has impressed in Ligue 1, and West Ham sees him as a potential addition to their backline. The 23-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Everton, but West Ham is keen to secure his signature.
The Hammers’ pursuit of Todibo and O’Brien highlights their desire to strengthen their defense, which has been a weakness in recent seasons. With Lopetegui at the helm, West Ham is looking to revamp their squad and challenge for European places next season.In conclusion, West Ham United’s pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo has been given a significant boost, with the player keen on a move to the London Stadium.
Despite Manchester United’s interest cooling, West Ham remains in the race, and their chances of signing Todibo have improved significantly. With Jake O’Brien also emerging as an alternative center-back option, West Ham is eager to strengthen their defense and challenge for European places next season.
Sport nation
Amina Umar