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West Ham have struck an agreement over a loan transfer for OGC Nice star and long-term Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo.
United maintained their interest in Todibo since last summer when a switch to Old Trafford failed to get over the line as a result of Harry Maguire’s move to West Ham collapsing.
Todibo ended up staying at Nice but United continued to keep tabs on him, alongside a number of other clubs including Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.
Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag’s side, they were recently barred by football governing body UEFA from signing Todibo under their multi-club ownership rules. This setback came after both teams were cleared to compete in next season’s Europa League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who completed a 27.7% partial investment into United in February – is of course a majority owner of Nice.
United and Nice subsequently agreed not to transfer players between each other at least until 2025 to ensure they can both play in the same UEFA competition.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has now given an update on the future of Todibo and it seems like the Frenchman is Premier League-bound.
According to Sheth, “West Ham have agreed a deal with Nice for Jean-Clair Todibo, but it is understood the defender’s preference is a move to Juventus.”
“The deal is a loan with a £26.8m (€32m) option to buy, although there is no agreement between the Hammers and the player yet.”
“Juventus remain interested in the France international but have yet to agree a deal with Nice, who are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS.”
Earlier this month, the Hammers saw an opening offer worth around £25.2m for Todibo rejected by Nice.
If Todibo agrees to join West Ham on an initial loan basis until the end of the 2024/25 campaign and he enjoys a successful spell at the London Stadium, it remains to be seen whether United – if UEFA’s rules will allow by then – would try again to bring Todibo to Old Trafford.
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