West Ham’s £25m bid for Nice centre-back rejected but Hammers could return with improved offer

West Ham United have had a £25 million bid for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo rejected, according to The Guardian.

But it has been suggested the East London outfit could return with an improved offer for the 24-year-old.

New manager Julen Lopetegui is looking to bolster the defensive ranks by adding a new central defender.

They attempted to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Max Kilman but failed to agree a fee for him.

The Hammers lodged a £30m bid plus add-ons for the English footballer but Wolves wanted £45m for their captain who has four years remaining on his current contract.

West Ham turned their focus to Jean-Clair Todibo but they are also finding it hard to get a deal over the line for the Frenchman.

Todibo is contracted with Nice until 2027 and so the Ligue 1 side are under no pressure to sell him.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with Manchester United but they couldn’t sign him due to UEFA’s multi-club rules.

Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea have also registered an interest but West Ham appear to be the most serious contenders for the young defender.

Veteran centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has left the London Stadium after his contract expired while Nayef Aguerd is facing an uncertain future at the club.

They have already signed Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham but are looking to add a new central defender.