West Ham deal for top Spanish star still very much on despite Jean-Clair Todibo capture

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West Ham have been linked with a number of defenders this week and a deal for one of them is still on despite the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo.

It was only yesterday that West Ham’s hopes of signing Jean-Clair Todibo looked dead.

Fast forward 24 hours, though, and the French defender is on the verge of signing for the Hammers from Nice in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

On Tuesday it was confirmed to Hammers News by a top club spokesman that West Ham are working on several deals as ‘we still need a few more’.

At the same time, a top Hammers insider revealed West Ham still want to sign two more centre-backs in addition to Max Kilman.

Technical director Tim Steidten has always made it clear he and Julen Lopetegui are targeting versatile players.

Insider revealed West Ham want two new centre-backs

Steidten has made the point several times this summer saying ‘it is important in modern football’.

News broke this morning that West Ham are now on the verge of landing prime target Todibo.

That’s despite being linked with a host of other central defenders this week including Mats Hummels, Trevoh Chalobah, Oumar Solet and Arnau Martinez.

Girona’s Spanish defender Martinez is a new name on West Ham’s radar.

And a West Ham deal for the top Spanish star still very much on despite the Todibo capture.

For starters Martinez can play both centre-back and right-back.

That not only ticks Steidten and Lopetegui’s versatility box, but it could be fundamental to West Ham’s interest given the difficulties they are having getting a deal over the line for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

West Ham deal for Spanish star still very much on despite Todibo

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Irons made a first move for Spanish star Martinez this week.

The report states contact has already taken place between West Ham and the 21-year-old’s representatives.

It even claims an opening offer for an unknown amount likely to be sent to the Catalan club imminently.

It is reported that Martinez has been told he will likely to be a starter for West Ham.

So that suggests he is the man West Ham have turned to as an alternative to Wan-Bissaka – in the knowledge he can also play centre-back.

There are several reasons beyond the right-back element, that mean a deal for Martinez could still be on for West Ham.

The club want two new centre-backs in addition to Kilman.

Martinez a starter at right-back and cover in the middle?

With Todibo the main starter alongside the ex Wolves captain, Martinez would then be the and back-up centre-back.

Crucially, though, he’d be first choice right-back as he is great on the ball and renowned for his attacking attributes.

The reported Hammers target is out of contract next year, meaning Girona could be forced to sell at a knockdown price to ensure they get something for the Martinez.

Although a quality and highly-rated talent, Martinez was not a key starter at Girona last season. So the chance to start every week in the Premier League and move to London is attractive.

Then there’s the Spanish connection with Lopetegui.

Word is the Hammers boss has been speaking regularly to Martinez of late about a potential move.

So despite the signing of Todibo this deal could still have legs.