United readying shock £50m bid for West Ham star, INEOS desperate to sign him up – report

Manchester United have let in goals left, right and centre all throughout the season and with Lisandro Martinez not expected back for the start of next season, Ruben Amorim could do with defensive reinforcements.

The Argentine’s position could also be altered while both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof seem likely to be heading out the exit door.

Links with plenty of centre-backs have emerged in recent days with CaughtOffside relaying that the Red Devils could return for INEOS favourite Jean-Clair Todibo again.

It is well-known that United were extremely close to signing the Frenchman from OGC Nice last summer only for UEFA’s ruling to throw a spanner in the works.

West Ham trigger permanent option for Todibo

Eventually, the former Barcelona man ended up moving to West Ham on loan with the Hammers having the option of making the deal permanent for £39 million.

And Graham Potter’s side have triggered that option and Todibo is officially a permanent member of the West Ham squad.

However, that has not stopped the 20-time English league champions from pursuing the ex-Barcelona ace and they are prepared to offer West Ham a handy £10 million profit to sell him in the summer.

That means United will have to cough up roughly £50 million to sign the France international.

“West Ham United are set to complete a permanent move for the French defender Jean-Clair Todibo after triggering the obligation to buy clause.

United still after him

“The London club are paying £39 million to Nice to make the move permanent, and the deal would see a major windfall for Spanish club Barcelona.

“The Red Devils could be willing to offer them an instant £10 million profit to get the deal done. Todibo could certainly be attracted to the idea of joining one of the biggest clubs in the country.”

Such an extensive outlay on a defender seems unlikely given Amorim’s need to strengthen up top and in the middle of the park.

This might become a reality in case the club win the Europa League and end up selling quite a few of their stars but for now, take this report with a pinch of salt.

Feature image Marc Atkins via Getty Images

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