West Ham United stance on Jean-Clair Todibo emerges after Juventus transfer development
West Ham United have continued to monitor Jean-Clair Todibo despite new transfer interest from Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist reported via his Daily Briefing on Thursday (11 July) that even after Julen Lopetegui signed Max Kilman and had a £29.4million bid rejected for the French international, they remain interested in his services.
European giants Juventus have a strong interest in the centre-back and while reports have suggested the Irons have left the race for Todibo’s signature [Calciomercato, 8 July] it appears as though they still remain well in the transfer race.
Writing in his Daily Briefing, Romano said: “Meanwhile, West Ham had a bid rejected for Todibo, worth €35m, and they have since signed Max Kilman in defence, though they keep monitoring Todibo.
“Juventus, meanwhile, have a strong interest in Todibo, let’s see what Juve decide to do, but he’s one of the names on the list of director Cristiano Giuntoli, who knows him well as he tried to sign him when he was at Toulouse earlier in his career.”
Are West Ham United close to any new signings in the summer transfer window?
While the signing of Kilman is an excellent addition to West Ham’s backline, he cannot be the only signing in that area of the pitch if Lopetegui wants to improve on what David Moyes achieved in East London.
Neither Kurt Zouma nor Nayef Aguerd looked up to the standard required of a team fighting in the top half of the Premier League last term and unless further additions are made, the same could well be true this season.
Todibo is a Rolls-Royce of a defender who is just as capable of impressing in possession as he is without it. Alongside Kilman, he could form a defensive pairing that even some of the league’s best attacks may struggle to break down.
It won’t be a cheap deal for the Hammers to get over the line and a lot could depend on potential outgoings over the next few weeks, but it is good to hear that the Hammers are still in the race for his signature.
Hopefully, they will find a way to come out on top, even after their initial offer was thrown out by Nice.
In other West Ham news, a Danny Ings exit update has emerged at the London Stadium amid transfer links with Southampton this summer
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