West Ham United have been quick out of the starting blocks in the summer transfer window as Julen Lopetegui looks to bolster his new side’s ranks.
The Hammers have signed Brazilian midfielder Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, alongside landing veteran goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer.
West Ham are now said to be prioritising a move for a new centre-back, in wake of a difficult season in which they struggled defensively.
On Tuesday, the Hammers reportedly launched a bid for Nice and France defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
However, the Ligue 1 club is said to have turned down West Ham’s offer, with the east Londoners now mulling over a potential new bid.
French football journalist Jonathan Johnson has now provided an update on what Todibo apparently thinks of the prospect of joining the Hammers.
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Jean-Clair Todibo unwilling to join West Ham
Johnson, writing on CaughtOffside, has claimed that the Hammers don’t match Todibo’s expectations, suggesting he’s not keen on a move.
Indeed, the “incredible” £50million-rated defender is apparently showing more willingness to remain at Nice now, amid complications arising with a mooted move to Manchester United.
“Jean-Clair Todibo’s potential move to Manchester United now looks problematic due to both INEOS-owned Nice and Man United being in the same European competition next season, catching the attention of the footballing authorities,” Johnson said.
“The situation with Todibo remains open, with the main offer coming in so far this summer being from West Ham, I believe.
“Though a move to the Premier League would appeal to Todibo, it’s not, I’m told, the destination he had in mind, as it’s not the same calibre of other clubs who’ve been chasing his signature in the last few months.
“My understanding is that there’s now more of a willingness from Todibo to see how things go at Nice this coming season.
“There is the feeling that there could be an interesting project worth staying on for at Nice, though there might also be a willingness to wait and see if the United and Nice links via INEOS are cleared up in the next 6-12 months.”
Johnson added: “I think it’s safe to say West Ham don’t live up to Todibo’s expectations given the calibre of clubs to be linked with him in the last year or so.”
West Ham must not get discouraged
West Ham are showing great ambition in the market this summer and they need to keep at it.
Sure, it’s not nice to read reports suggesting a player doesn’t fancy West Ham because he’d rather join a bigger club, but they must just take it in their stride and move on to other targets.
The Hammers won a European trophy just over 12 months ago and went far in the Europa League last term. There’s scope for them to really kick on and maybe even break into the top four.
If that happens, then they’ll become an even more attractive destination for the top players.
