A really big Jean-Clair twist has just emerged, and the door is clearly still open for West Ham United to sign him.
West Ham were first linked with a move to sign Jean-Clair Todibo a few weeks ago, but the links seemed far fetched at the time.
Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui has already brought Max Kilman to the London Stadium, but he clearly wants further central defensive reinforcements.
That’s absolutely no surprise to me, after West Ham’s fragile back-line shipped a truly shocking 74 Premier League goals last season.
So it’s easy to see why the Hammers fans were so excited when we were linked with the 24-year-old Nice defender.
Todibo would be a sensational signing for the Hammers. He’s incredibly powerful in the air, quick along the ground, is a great tackler and reads the game superbly well.
At 24, the Frenchman has at least 10 years left ahead of him playing at the highest level, and the partnership he would form with Kilman would be a fearsome one.
So it was a huge disappointment when it was claimed just a few days ago that Juventus were very close to signing him (Juve FC).
However, it now appears as though the Hammers have some fresh hope in the race for Todibo’s signature.
Jean-Clair Todibo twist as West Ham make new offer
It seemed for all the world that Juventus would sign the former Barcelona man this summer.
However, a fresh update has now been provided, with Nice clearly desperate to accept the Hammers’ new offer for Todibo.
There is one major problem that West Ham face though…
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (print edition July 31st, page 23), West Ham have thrust themselves back into contention for the signing of Todibo this summer.
It is claimed that Juventus had previously agreed a deal to sign the 24-year-old on loan, with an option to buy him next summer (one that could become an obligation) for around £25-29 million.
However, GDS now claim that the Hammers have come forward in the last few hours, and offered a better deal to Juve.
That said, the Frenchman is still keen to join the Italian giants rather than West Ham, so it remains to be see how this one will play out.
I still can’t envisage a scenario whereby West Ham will sign Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.
The Nice centre-back just seems so intent on moving to Juventus, and it will be much more worthwhile for Lopetegui to focus his attention elsewhere.
Missing out on Todibo really would a huge shame though – he would be a massive signing for us.
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