Amina UmarWest Ham United have made a £25 million bid for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, but the Ligue 1 club are holding out for a higher price tag of £40 million.
Todibo is a highly sought-after player, with Manchester United also interested in his services. However, a move to Old Trafford is unlikely this summer due to a UEFA ruling preventing the transfer of players between Ineos-controlled clubs, with Nice and Manchester United potentially facing each other in the Europa League next season.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is keen to strengthen his defense, which conceded a staggering 74 goals last season, and Todibo is seen as a key target. The Frenchman is a natural right-sided center-half and would form a strong partnership with new signing Max Kilman, who joined the Hammers from Wolves for £40 million.Nice coach Franck Haise is adamant that Todibo will remain a key part of his plans unless a suitable offer is made.
“There are possibilities for lots of players. For the reasons you know, the market hasn’t really got going yet as you can see,” Haise told Get France Football News. “I work with the players that I currently have.”Haise also praised Todibo’s performance in Nice’s 2-2 friendly draw with Lausanne Sport, saying, “Jean-Clair is working well. He is very serious. He had a good half. I have no issue with playing him because perhaps he will stay at Nice. We don’t know.
“West Ham are willing to pay up to £40 million for Todibo, and have also proposed a swap deal that would see Kurt Zouma move to Nice in exchange. However, Nice are in no rush to sell, having recently sold Khephren Thuram to Juventus for £17 million.The Hammers are looking to strengthen their defense after a disappointing season, and the signing of Todibo would be a significant coup.
With Lopetegui at the helm, West Ham are looking to build a team that can compete with the best in the Premier League, and the club’s fans are eagerly anticipating the new season.In other news, West Ham have already signed Max Kilman from Wolves, reuniting him with his former manager Lopetegui. Kilman’s arrival is expected to pave the way for Nayef Aguerd’s departure, potentially back to France. The Hammers are also looking to offload Zouma, who has struggled since joining the club.
Overall, West Ham are looking to make a statement in the transfer market this summer, and the signing of Todibo would be a significant addition to their squad. With Lopetegui’s possession-based game plan, Todibo’s excellent distribution skills would be a valuable asset to the team. The Hammers are willing to pay top dollar for the Frenchman, and it remains to be seen whether Nice will accept their offer.
Amina Umar
Sport nation