How much West Ham will likely demand for Jean-Clair Todibo as transfer plan revealed
West Ham United know exactly what they want to do with Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.
The defender saw his loan deal from Nice turned permanent last summer.
Reports varied about the specific cost of his loan obligation fee, but it was widely understood to be between £32.8million-36m.
Todibo hasn't lived up to his steep transfer fee with West Ham, making just 29 and 25 total appearances in his two seasons at the London Stadium
As a result, he was always expected to be on the shortlist to leave E20 this summer, but finding a dance partner to do business with has proven challenging thus far.
However, things could be about to start moving in the right direction regarding a move.
How much Jean-Clair Todibo is valued at revealed amid Serie A interest
West Ham Zone has covered reports linking Napoli with a potential swoop for Todibo this summer.
The Serie A giants are seemingly in the market for a new centre-back, and could have eyes on the 26-year-old.
According to a report from AreaNapoli, Todibo's value is claimed to be in the region of €17.5m (£14.9m), which of course would mean the Hammers would lose a lot of money on the defender.
However, with big-money sales in Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, the Irons can afford to take the hit on this one.
It's also claimed that Todibo is wanting to find an escape route out of the London Stadium ASAP, with Napoli continuing to monitor his situation.
West Ham are claimed to be intent on selling Todibo permanently this summer rather than sourcing him a loan exit, with this stance reportedly halting Marseille's own pursuit of the defender.
Should Todibo sign for Napoli, that would undoubtedly be a massive move for him, but what kind of role could he expect to play in Massimiliano Allegri's squad?
Why Todibo could be primed for big Napoli role
With the aforementioned Allegri taking over from Antonio Conte as Napoli manager, it's not yet clear how the Italian will set his team up moving forward.
The 58-year-old is renowned as being a tactically flexible coach, who can and does switch between a back three and four.
Napoli's current centre-back ranks aren't filled with quality depth, and thus Todibo could instantly arrive with a good chance of carving out an important role in Naples.
Alessandro Buongiorno is dealing with a long-term injury problem, Luca Marianucci's role is unclear after his loan spell with Torino, whilst Amir Rrahmani isn't getting any younger at 32-years old.
Meanwhile, Nosa Edward Obaretin doesn't look ready for a first-team role after numerous loans to Serie B, Sam Beukema enjoyed a modest debut season with Napoli and that just leaves Uruguayan international Mathias Oliveira as the only other senior option.
At worst then, Todibo should instantly become a priority backup player should he sign for Napoli, but there's every chance he might earn himself an instant starting role under Allegri too despite his underwhelming West Ham career.