Respected journalist David Ornstein has delivered the best news of West Ham’s window yet but the shadow of Man United looms large.
West Ham are on the verge of arguably their best signing of the summer transfer window but Man United are the elephant in the room.
West Ham and Manchester United have both been on the hunt for new centre-backs this summer.
New Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui – who was actually linked with Man United before Erik ten Hag was retained – in in the process of shipping out Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
West Ham signed reported Man United target Max Kilman for £40m.
Ten Hag meanwhile reportedly wants to sell Victor Lindelof and has been linked with a move for Matthijs de Ligt.
The Irons and Red Devils share a mutual central defensive target in the shape of Jean-Clair Todibo.
Manchester United’s new co-owners INEOS tried also own Nice.
Ornstein delivers best news yet of West Ham’s window
But when Old Trafford chiefs tried to sign French centre-back Todibo UEFA intervened and blocked the transfer due to strict multi-club ownership rules.
Sensing an opportunity, West Ham – who have been linked with 24-year-old Frenchman Todibo in the past – sensed an opportunity and pounced.
The problem is Todibo’s preference has been to join Juventus – even as recently as yesterday according to Fabrizio Romano.
Cash-strapped Juve have been struggling to match West Ham’s offer, though.
And now there has been a monumental development – for West Ham and Manchester United.
David Ornstein has delivered the best news yet of West Ham’s window but the shadow of Man United looms.
Man United shadow looms large over Todibo deal
The Athletic journalist says the Hammers have now won the race for Todibo in a loan move with an option to buy.
“Todibo is set to undergo a medical today with West Ham United ahead of a proposed move from Nice,” Ornstein states.
“An agreement has been reached with their French counterparts over a loan move with an option to buy. Personal terms have also been agreed with the 24-year-old defender.”
This is great news for West Ham, who have been searching for a more dominant defensive partner for Kilman.
But the now imminent deal should be caveated by the fact this is also fantastic news for Man United too.
Man United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not name Todibo directly, but confirmed the Old Trafford side cannot currently buy directly from Nice due to the ownership situation.
It has been suggested that if West Ham do sign former Barcelona flop Todibo, it would essentially be a deal to “park” him in east London. That would then allow Man United to sign him at a later date.
Otherwise why would INEOS sanction the move for a player they clearly want to bring to Man United?
Man United puppet masters but a good deal for Hammers?
There may not be anything officially written into the deal for obvious reasons given the rules.
But it’s highly likely there will be a gentleman’s agreement in place that Manchester United can sign Todibo from West Ham for a set price at a future date, if he proves a success in the Premier League and the Hammers activate their option.
West Ham may well be happy with such an arrangement of course if it means they get a quality player in with a guaranteed profit after a season or so?
Some Hammers fans may be concerned by such short-termism if that is the secret plan behind the scenes.
As is evident by some of the very questionable deals being done across the Premier League to get around PSR restrictions, clubs are trying to find any loopholes they can.
It would be in the interests of INEOS if Todibo joins West Ham with a private agreement he could then be sold on to Man United in the future for a set fee.
Deals of that nature have been commonplace in Spain and Italy for decades.
Some may not be comfortable with West Ham effectively being a nursery for the player. Others may feel it makes perfect sense for all parties.
And at the end of the day is Julen Lopetegui is getting a top player for at least one season and if West Ham’s owners activate the option perhaps another.
Then ultimately stand the chance to make a decent profit out of any arrangement.
A clever, shrewd bit of business and a real coup for the Hammers.
But with Man United very much the puppet masters behind the scenes and interested spectators in how Todibo gets on in English football.
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