Jean-Clair Todibo has heart set on Premier League club as West Ham make offer. Sources have confirmed to HITC that Nice have dismissed an approach from West Ham United for central defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been the subject of talks with Manchester United.
Manchester United are understood be keen on signing two central defenders as they are open to offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer.
The Red Devils have agreed personal terms with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite but have yet to agree a deal with the Toffees and have moved onto alternatives.
Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt is attracting interest from the Red Devils but Jean-Clair Todibo is also a name that remains under consideration at United.
United prevented from completing Tobido deal with OGC Nice
United have been unable to finalise a deal for Todibo to move to Old Trafford due to Ineos owning both clubs and UEFA rules preventing teams in the same competition – Europa League in this instance – from doing deals.
HITC have previously reported that the Red Devils are exploring avenues to solve this problem with UEFA. One of the potential solutions include possibly taking up the issue with the Court of Arbitration in Sport to try and get Todibo his move to Old Trafford.
However, this delay has left other clubs, who may have an interest in the French defender, to step forward and attempt to get a deal over the line for the 24-year-old.
HITC is told that Todibo’s focus is on joining United, but he would like a move to the Premier League, and this could hand West Ham United a chance of his signature.
Ineos prepared to sanction sale but price gap emerges
If Ineos, who own both United and Nice, do not believe a deal can be resurrected to take the defender to Old Trafford, then they would sanction the sale of the defender elsewhere.
The valuation of the Frenchman is understood to be around £40 million, but this is currently some way away from West Ham’s proposal of £25 million.
A source at Nice has informed HITC that the French side dismissed the offer from the Hammers as soon as it arrived, they want £40 million.
West Ham are assessing the situation, but it is understood there is other interest from around Europe in Todibo, who enjoyed an excellent season in the south of France.
