One of West Ham’s top summer targets Jean-Clair Todibo has chosen his preferred destination after reported talks with Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham completed the impressive £40m signing of Max Kilman from Wolves at the weekend.
But before the Hammers signed Kilman, the club saw a bid knocked back for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
Many West Ham supporters believed the Kilman signing meant the club had moved on from Todibo – the 24-year-old French defender said to be valued at around £35m.
But it has since been confirmed that West Ham still plan to sign Todibo as Kilman’s central defensive partner in east London.
In fact Nice-Matin (print edition July 10th, page 41) went further by reporting that the Hammers are still looking to sign the former Barca flop and are the only club to have made a significant offer for Todibo.
That offer was allegedly around £30m including add-ons.
But crucially it was also stated that West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has actually held talks with Todibo about joining.
Hammers still want Todibo but Juve enter race
There was further encouragement yesterday when the new manager at Nice Franck Haise admitted Tobido is likely to leave amid the interest from the Hammers.
The problem for Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten is that West Ham are not the only club interested.
Fallen Italian giants Juventus have also entered the equation.
Overnight reports from GFFN and Nice Matin in France claimed that Juventus had made a loan offer for Todibo which was rejected by Nice.
The INEOS-owned Ligue 1 side are reportedly demanding a £35m fee and permanent transfer.
The reports also stated that West Ham very much remain in the race.
“It remains to be seen whether Juventus have the means to meet that significant asking price, especially given that they are about to shell out a reported €25m (£20m) on his teammate, Khephren Thuram.
“West Ham United, who are looking to raise extra funds through sales, remain in the race, despite the recent acquisition of Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers.”
Todibo chooses preferred destination after West Ham talks
Now there has been a big development it seems.
Because Todibo has chosen his preferred destination after the reported talks with West Ham.
According to Fabrizio Romano Todibo wants to join Juventus.
And Juve are planning to submit a permanent bid by selling Dean Huijsen.
“Jean-Clair Todibo, keen on move to Juventus as he’s open to joining the club,” Romano said.
“Juve have discussed loan with mandatory buy clause as initial proposal but OGC Nice already rejected €35m (£30m) from West Ham.
“Dean Huijsen, expected to leave Juve; it could help with profit.”
West Ham’s defensive targets dwindle
Until Juve offload Huijsen, it would appear there may still be a glimmer of hope for West Ham.
But Todibo’s desire to join Juve could be key and that’s a bitter blow for West Ham’s plans as their central defensive targets are dwindling.
Jacob Greaves is signing for Ipswich from Hull while Lyon’s Jake O’Brien is reportedly keen on a move to Everton.
Todibo had looked set to join Man United. But INEOS chief and Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe saw his attempts to sell Todibo to himself at Man United blocked by UEFA.
The news about Todibo wanting Juventus comes after a club spokesman told Hammers News that West Ham are focusing on signing a striker after the Kilman deal.
Before then the Hammers are expected to try and secure the sales of the likes of Flynn Downes, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd to boost the transfer kitty, which now stands at around £50-60m.
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