West Ham have revealed their stance on defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who was linked with a move to Manchester United yesterday.
The Athletic reported that the Hammers had rejected the chance to “flip” Todibo by making an instant profit on the defender. The proposed deal would have seen West Ham activate a £35m permanent transfer from Nice, only to sell him on immediately — with Manchester United believed to be the buying club.
The transaction would have allowed West Ham to complete the deal with Nice, then sell the player on for a quick profit, with his registration moving almost instantly to Old Trafford.
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However, it was claimed the deal was scuppered when Todibo expressed his desire to remain at the London Stadium.
Claret & Hugh spoke to a top source at the club this morning, who told us that new manager Graham Potter had always intended to keep Todibo.
“I don’t know where you got that information from,” the source said. “Todibo has always been a big part of our plans.”
Happy news all around, then — a player who wants to stay at West Ham, and a club determined to keep him.
The Hammers have also reiterated their intention to assess on-loan defender Nayef Aguerd in pre-season, with a view to using him in a back three — presumably alongside Max Kilman and Todibo.