Manchester United are reportedly preparing to lodge another bid for West Ham star Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Todibo was heavily linked to United last summer but they were barred from signing him due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stake in Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice. United and Nice both qualified for the Europa League, and UEFA regulations do not allow any organisation or individual to have ‘decisive influence’ over the operations of more than one club in the same competition.
Todibo ended up joining West Ham on a loan but there is an obligation to make the signing a permanent one at the end of the season for £35m
According to The Athletic [via Manchester World], United were linked with a move for Todibo in January but they were unable to land him because he is on loan at the London Stadium.
It’s understood that West Ham could have signed Todibo for the £35m transfer fee in January, and immediately sold him to United for £45m to make a £10m profit. However, the Frenchman was not interested in parting ways with the Hammers.
Nevertheless, United are expected to make another attempt to secure Todibo’s services in the summer, by which time he’ll fully be a West Ham player as the loan obligation will have already kicked in.
Claret & Hugh – a relatively reliable source on West Ham news – suggest the same. They explain, “West Ham can expect another mega-money bid for central defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Manchester United this summer.”
“The Hammers previously rejected a January proposal from United to complete Todibo’s loan signing from Nice and immediately flip his registration for a quick profit.”
“At the time, the player made it clear he wanted to stay at West Ham, and a senior London Stadium source confirmed to C&H that he was in the manager’s plans.”
Claret & Hugh however state that they expect a £45m bid from United to be turned down.
Todibo has made just 19 Premier League appearances all season, with 12 of these being starts. He has helped West Ham keep six clean sheets in that period.
He has featured 21 times across the top-flight and League Cup.
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they host cross-town rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
