On the same day West Ham have received a major new boost in their pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo, a top board source has made a double signing claim.
West Ham are on the verge of offloading Kurt Zouma and an offer for Jean-Clair Todibo remains on the table.
New Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui made it clear he wants to ship out Zouma and Nayef Aguerd as soon as he took over.
Zouma has become increasingly immobile due to knee issues and now looks set to move to either Dubai or Saudi Arabia for a ‘nominal fee’.
A top spokesman inside the club confirmed to Hammers News yesterday that Zouma’s departure will help free up wages and space in the squad for yet more new arrivals.
The source said West Ham want to tie up several signings because ‘we need a few more’.
West Ham’s plan has always been to sign two new centre-backs as part of the summer rebuild.
Max Kilman arrived in a £40m deal from Wolves.
Major new Todibo boost for West Ham
The Hammers have looked poor defensively in pre-season and Lopetegui has voiced his concerns.
West Ham recently had an improved bid of near £30m accepted by Nice for Todibo.
But the French defender has put the Hammers on hold while he waits for Juventus – his preferred destination – to match West Ham’s offer.
Technical director Tim Steidten received a Nice message last week – quite literally.
Because it was reported Nice are pushing Todibo to forget about cash-strapped Juve and sign for West Ham.
Now there has been a major new Todibo boost for West Ham while a board source makes a double signing claim.
According to Sky Sport Italy, Nice are not happy with Juve’s insistence on a loan with obligation to buy.
The report states the deal is no closer for the Italian giants because Nice feel the obligation clause – based on qualifying for the Champions League – is unrealistic.
That will give the Irons renewed hope Todibo could yet arrive in east London.
And there has been a further development regarding West Ham’s search for a new centre-back.
Board source makes mysterious double signing claim
Because the club now want another TWO new central defenders according to a top board source close to majority owner David Sullivan.
Sean Whetstone claims West Ham want another two centre-backs in alongside Kilman.
But the Hammers are keeping the identity of the two targets a secret so as not to alert other clubs.
Whetstone adds that West Ham still want to offload Aguerd along with Zouma. And they plan to bring in two if Zouma departs, despite the arrival of Kilman.
“West Ham will pursue two centre backs targets of Tim Steidten if Kurt Zouma departs the club before the transfer window ends,” Whetstone states.
“The Hammers are staying tight lipped on the identity of the two defensive targets identified by the technical director for fear of alerting other clubs.
“(Club want to sign) both perhaps and try to offload Aguerd after that.”
Hammers target three new centre-backs in total
Moroccan defender Aguerd has been weak, erratic and inconsistent since arriving at West Ham from Rennes for £30m.
He was at fault for goals again in the latest pre-season defeat and has failed to impress Lopetegui.
But Aguerd, despite reportedly being keen to leave, is not making things easy for West Ham.
Because Whetstone claims Aguerd has snubbed a number of clubs who have made enquiries for him this summer.
“There have been several enquires for Nayef Aguerd but none of the clubs enquiring have interested the Moroccan centre back,” Whetstone adds.
“So (they) have not led to formal bids being tabled for fear of not agreeing personal terms with the 28 year old West Ham defender.”
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