- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Juventus have hijacked West Ham’s bid to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Hammers are set to be left empty-handed after having a bid accepted for the 24-year-old centre-back.
As HITC revealed earlier this month, West Ham tabled a bid for Todibo at the same time as they submitted an offer to sign Max Kilman.
Their initial £25million proposal was some way off of Nice’s £40million valuation of the defender, but West Ham remained in talks for a deal.
HITC can exclusively reveal that a deal was agreed over the weekend between the Hammers, Nice and the player.
Everything was on track for Jean-Clair Todibo to make a switch to London before a late hijack by Serie A giants Juventus.
Juventus hijack West Ham’s Jean-Claire Todibo deal
After finally having a bid accepted for Todibo, West Ham’s pursuit of the Frenchman has fallen apart.
It is understood that Juventus made a late move to sign him and Todibo has since agreed terms on a move to Turin.
Everything now points toward Todibo becoming a Juve player this summer in what is a blow to West Ham’s transfer plans.
The 24-year-old is highly rated in France and was described by Nice coach Francesco Farioli as a player with “incredible potential“.
With Thilo Kehrer departing the London Stadium, the Hammers will now have to look elsewhere if they plan to further reinforce their defensive department.
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