- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that West Ham United have made a breakthrough in talks to land OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
West Ham United have already signed one centre-back this summer with the Hammers signing Wolves’ Max Kilman for £40 million.
The Hammers are not stopping there and are understood to be keen on adding another defender to their team and OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is the man they have chosen.
HITC previously revealed that the Hammers had agreed terms on a €40million (£33million) deal for Todibo which is a loan with an obligation.
However, a deal could not be completed because Italian giants Juventus had entered the race for the Frenchman.
West Ham beat Juventus to Jean Clair Todibo deal
Juventus made their move and agreed terms with Todibo, but since then – the Italian giants have been unable to agree terms with Nice.
Nice are understood to have refused to accept an offer lower than what West Ham had offered for Todibo and Juventus have been some way off from a deal.
Whilst Juve continued their talks, HITC can reveal that West Ham have been in regular contact with Todibo’s representatives but the player maintained his stance that he wanted to move to Turin.
West Ham did then turn their attention elsewhere with HITC reporting that RB Salzburg’s Oumar Solet was a target for the Hammers and the East London side had held talks over a transfer.
However, Todibo has seemingly had a change of heart and a deal to take the former Barcelona defender to West Ham now looks to be in the offing.
Todibo convinced to accept West Ham’s proposal
Sources have confirmed to HITC that Todibo has now been persuaded that he should accept West Ham’s offer and join the Premier League club after Juve’s failure to agree terms with the Ligue 1 side.
As Todibo has changed his mind, West Ham are now trying to get the French international to fly into London and finalise a medical.
HITC understands that a deal can be completed relatively quickly as West Ham already had their deal in place, the only thing stopping the deal previously was Todibo’s desire to join Juve.
However, that hurdle has now been overcome with a deal now looking likely to happen.
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