West Ham United could return with another offer for OGC Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo, according to French publication Nice-Matin (page 41).
The Hammers had submitted an offer of €30 million plus another €5m in bonuses, but the Ligue 1 club swiftly rejected the proposal.
Les Aiglons are holding out for €40 million, and West Ham could re-enter the mix as they seek to bolster the defence.
West Ham conceded 74 goals in 38 Premier League games last term, and the club needs a defensive overhaul.
The Hammers have already signed Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kilman is a stellar defensive addition, but he needs an equally reliable partner.
West Ham have set their sights on Todibo, who had arguably the best campaign of his career last term.
The 24-year-old helped Nice keep 14 clean sheets in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, winning 59 percent of all his duels.
Apart from being a solid defender, he is equally impressive on the ball, recording 5.09 progressive passes per 90 and 1.09 progressive carries per match.
A partnership between Kilman and Todibo could anchor West Ham’s defence for years, and manager Julen Lopetegui will be eager to see it come to fruition.
West Ham can sweeten the deal for Todibo by sending Nayef Aguerd the other way. Aguerd has struggled in London since his transfer from Rennes.
Todibo would be a massive coup for West Ham
Todibo has been highly rated since his teenage days, breaking out from Toulouse’s youth ranks into the first team and earning a move to Barcelona.
He struggled with the Catalan giants, but many fans felt he wasn’t given time to develop. He returned to France, where he rebuilt his reputation.
His performances last term had European clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing him.
Todibo would be a massive coup for the Hammers if they can sign him. He could be a mainstay in the defence for years or fetch a massive transfer fee in the future.
