West Ham United are working on a deal to sign highly-rated OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
According to French news publication L’Equipe, Nice turned down the Hammers’ initial offer of around £30 million.
The 24-year-old has three years left on his contract with the French club, so they’re under no immediate pressure to sell him.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of Todibo. Their interest predates Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford, although the British billionaire is also keen to lure him to Manchester.
However, UEFA’s multi-club rules prevent United from signing Todibo, paving the way for other interested clubs to swoop in.
Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed an interest in the France international defender, as have Arsenal and Chelsea.
West Ham are trying to steal a march on their Premier League rivals, but they will need to improve their bid considerably to complete a deal.
European football could be a sticking point
West Ham failed to secure continental football for the first time since 2020, which could weaken their chances of luring some of the best players in Europe to the London Stadium.
After finishing fifth in Ligue 1 last season, Nice secured a spot in the Europa League, and West Ham are the only potential suitors who cannot offer Todibo continental football.
It will take some convincing to lure the former Barcelona ace to the club this summer, and they need to make sure that personal terms won’t be a problem if they reach an agreement with Nice.
Todibo is one of the best centre-backs in the French top flight. He had a fantastic 2023/24 season, completing 90% of his passes in Ligue 1.
He also made a stunning 7.1 recoveries per league game, alongside 3.1 clearances and 1.9 tackles. Todibo won 59% of his duels and kept 14 clean sheets.
Signing Todibo would be a huge statement of intent and a significant upgrade on the club’s current centre-back options.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
