West Ham launch move for highly-rated Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo

West Ham United are working on a deal to sign highly-rated OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

According to French news publication L’Equipe, the Hammers have seen an initial offer worth around £30 million turned down by Nice, who are holding out for a significant higher sum.

The 24-year-old has three years left on his contract with the French side, so they’re under no immediate pressure to sell him.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Todibo. Their interest in the Frenchman predates the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford, although the British billionaire is also keen to lure him to Manchester.

However, UEFA’s multi-club rules are preventing United from signing Todibo, paving the way for other interested clubs to swoop in.

Tottenham Hotspur have also sounded out an interest in the France international defender, as have their capital rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

However, West Ham are trying to steal a march on their Premier League rivals, but they will need to improve their bid considerably to complete a deal.

European football could be a sticking point

West Ham failed to secure continental football for the first time since 2020, which could weaken our chances of luring some of the best players in Europe to the London Stadium.

After finishing fifth in Ligue 1 last season, Nice secured a spot in the Europa League, and we’re the only potential suitors who cannot offer Todibo continental football.

It will take some convincing to lure the former Barcelona ace to the London Stadium this summer, and we need to make sure that personal terms won’t be a problem if we reach an agreement with Nice.

If we can pull off the deal, Todibo would be a huge statement of intent and a significant upgrade on our current centre-back options.

Todibo is one of the best centre-backs in the French top flight. He had a fantastic 2023/24 season, completing 90% of his passes in Ligue 1.

He also made a stunning 7.1 recoveries per league game, alongside 3.1 clearances and 1.9 tackles. Todibo won 59% of his duels and kept 14 clean sheets.

Stats from Sofascore.com