Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is expected to have a medical with West Ham United on Friday, as the English club looks to beat Juventus to the Frenchman’s signature.
The Hammers have agreed an initial season-long loan contract for Todibo, which includes a 40 million Euro (£34.22 million) buyout option in 2025.
Juventus had been the front-runners to sign the 24-year-old, but the Italians were unable to reach an agreement with Nice.
Todibo is expected to replaced compatriot and West Ham captain Kurt Zouma who is expected to complete a move to Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE.
While a transfer to London Stadium is not yet guaranteed, it would be a big coup for West Ham to beat Juventus to the deal, given the Italian club’s guarantee to offer Champions League football.
Todibo came through Toulouse’s academy before joining Barcelona in 2019 but was quickly sent on loan to Schalke and then Benfica. In 2021, he joined Nice on a permanent deal.
West Ham have spent more than £100m since new boss Julen Lopetegui was appointed as David Moyes’ successor.
The Hammers have signed Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman and Guido Rodriguez this summer.
