Transfer Chance | Hammers Ready For Operation J-Lo

West Ham United’s new head coach, Julen Lopetegui, appears to be a very smooth operator.

And the Spaniard will require every bit of his persuasive schmoozing if he is to convince Jean-Clair Todibo that his future lies in East London rather than Turin.

Todibo is reported as wanting to sign for Italian giants Juventus rather than for West Ham, who have an agreement with his club, Nice. Unfortunately for the French international, Juve does not have the money to match the Hammers’ transfer offer, which has presented something of an opportunity.

Lopetegui and Irons director of football Tim Steidten have both spoken with Todibo, according to the most recent updates on the story. It is also being reported that the French centre-half is willing to speak with them again.

Mr Motivator

My reading of the situation is that there remains a slim chance the player could be persuaded to move to the London Stadium, and if anybody can do that, it’s Lopetegui.

One of the features of the recent interviews provided by the official club website has been the excellent communication attributed to the former Real Madrid and Spain manager. We have heard glowing reports from the likes of Luis Guilherme about how Lopetegui made a special trip to meet him in his hotel before signing for West Ham.

Then there are the more recent reports that J-Lo has been in regular contact with Lucas Paqueta in an effort to make him feel more welcome and very much part of the West Ham family despite his recent troubles.

So while the most likely outcome is that Todibo either remains at his present club or signs for Juventus when they eventually find the funds, there remains a small chance that he can be convinced to play for West Ham in the Premier League, and if anyone is capable of convincing him, then Lopetegui is just the man.