HITC understands that Newcastle United have held talks over French international Jean-Clair Todibo.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants to bolster his defensive options, despite already securing the signing of Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
Newcastle also agreed terms with Tosin Adarabioyo earlier in the summer before he instead opted for a move to Chelsea.
With captain Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman set to miss the start of the season through injury, another central defender is seen as essential by The Magpies.
Newcastle in talks for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo
HITC can now confirm that Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell led talks this week with Todibo’s representatives as they look to bring him to St James’ Park.
Todibo is available from Nice this summer and was the subject of a bid from Manchester United as they looked to take him to Old Trafford, but as they are both owned by Ineos – UEFA rules prevented the deal for happening as they are due to compete in the same competition, the Europa League, this coming season.
However, interest in Todibo is strong and HITC revealed earlier this week that West Ham United agreed terms with Nice for the French international in a deal worth around €40million (£33million) which would have seen him join on an initial loan but with an obligation for the move to become permanent.
Juventus hi-jacked move for Todibo
West Ham also held talks with the player and a deal was agreed over the weekend, but before the move was completed Italian giants Juventus hi-jacked their bid and they agreed their own deal with Todibo.
Todibo’s move to Turin is far from done though, as Juventus have not agreed a deal with Nice – who will not accept less than the deal already in place with West Ham, which Man United would also have paid had they not been prevented from signing him.
Because his deal with Juventus is not done, that has allowed rival interest to emerge and why Newcastle have now made their own move to try and land him.
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