West Ham United are set to beat Juventus in the race to sign highly coveted OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has travelled to France to finalise a deal.
The Serie A giants were previously considered the front-runners to sign the France international, but the Hammers are on the cusp of hijacking the deal.
West Ham have agreed a deal with Nice worth around £34 million plus a sell-on clause, and the Irons are looking to wrap up a deal quickly to avoid any late twists.
Barring any late turnaround, Todibo will be West Ham’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. The club is trying to schedule his medical for later today.
The Frenchman was a key player for Nice last season, helping the Ligue 1 side secure Europa League football.
He had drawn interest from Manchester United, but the Red Devils were unable to complete a deal due to UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership.
With Man United out of the way, other top European teams entered the race to sign Todibo, but Juventus were considered his next destination.
The Bianconeri were keen to secure his signature as Thiago Motta attempted to overhaul his squad, and Todibo was also eager to make the move despite Premier League interest.
West Ham had initially cooled their interest, but Kurt Zouma’s impending move to the Middle East forced the Hammers to revive the deal for Todibo.
With his move to Juventus now stalling, West Ham are determined to capitalise and close a deal as early as this weekend.
Zouma is one step away from leaving the London Stadium, meaning manager Julen Lopetegui is facing a defensive crisis with the new Premier League season just one week away.
The Hammers will take on Celta Vigo on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly before kicking off the Premier League season at home to Aston Villa.
