The tables appear to have turned for West Ham over defender Jean-Clair Todibo as a journalist lifts the lid on concern at rival suitors Juventus.
West Ham looked to have been all but ruled out of the race for Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Hammers want Todibo to partner Max Kilman in a new-look defence.
It looked like West Ham had beaten Premier League rivals Aston Villa to Todibo yesterday.
The likes of Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth claimed that a deal had been agreed for West Ham to take Todibo on loan with an obligation to buy.
The news set pules racing at West Ham, with fans excited at the prospect of bringing the coveted 24-year-old to the London Stadium.
But like many of West Ham’s dreams the Todibo hopes faded and died.
Tables turn for West Ham over Todibo
Because – as Hammers News reported over a week ago – Todibo is holding out for a move to Juventus instead.
West Ham insider Sean Whetstone revealed the Hammers hierarchy were ‘gutted’ at the player’s preference having worked to agree a deal for seven days.
While Todibo wants Juventus, Nice have been waiting for Juve to match West Ham’s offer.
Reports this morning were more positive with it looking like the Hammers had new hope of signing former Barcelona flop Todibo.
That’s after Gianluca Di Marzio revealed Juve were signing another centre-back from Inter Milan instead.
Hopes were raised further when The Evening Standard claimed the Todibo deal was far from dead.
The London paper stated personal terms still need to be agreed with Todibo and the player persuaded to join West Han.
But the deal is still there with a permanent clause for £27m next summer.
Italian journalist lifts lid on Juve’s Hammers worry
Now the tables have turned for West Ham over Todibo as a journalist lifts the lid on Juve’s worry.
Instead of the Hammers worrying that Todibo will choose the Italian giants, now it’s the other way around.
That’s according to Italian journalist Romeo Agresti of Ilbianconero.
Agresti claims Juventus are by no means certain of signing Todibo.
In fact the reporter states they have been left hoping that the Nice centre-back doesn’t choose West Ham over them instead.
It would be a remarkable turnaround for West Ham if they pull off Todibo after signing Kilman.
Todibo would be coup for Hammers – but for how long?
The pair represent a significant upgrade on Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd – who are both for sale.
If Todibo does join, there will be inevitable talk that he is merely being parked at West Ham for a future move to Manchester United.
Nice are owned by INEOS, who part own Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to sign Todibo for the Red Devils.
But the move was blocked by UEFA due to strict multi-club ownership rules.
So if Nice elect to sell the defender to West Ham then it will undoubtedly give rise to speculation Todibo’s stay in east London could be one or two years tops – depending of course on how he gets on in the Premier League.
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