By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Aston Villa are exploring a deal to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from West Ham, with The Athletic now reporting that the Premier League club are making their move for the French defender.
The development will come as no surprise to Claret & Hugh readers.
On Sunday, we exclusively revealed that a Premier League club was in serious discussions over Todibo.
Yesterday, we followed that story up by naming Aston Villa as the interested club while also revealing that Serie A interest had emerged for the 26-year-old.
The Athletic are now reporting that Villa are exploring a deal for Todibo as they look to strengthen their defence.
Todibo is leaving West Ham
West Ham Finally Have A Route Out For Todibo
This could be excellent news for West Ham because the club have spent most of the summer desperately trying to find an acceptable solution to the Todibo problem.
The £35million signing from Nice has no future under Nuno Espírito Santo following the breakdown of their relationship towards the end of last season.
Marseille have been interested for some time and L’Équipe reported last week that Todibo had agreed terms with the French club.
The problem has always been finding a deal West Ham are prepared to accept, with Marseille pursuing a loan arrangement.
As C&H previously revealed, West Ham have been reluctant to sanction a straightforward loan.
Villa’s involvement potentially changes the picture considerably.
Having spent most of the summer with very little leverage, West Ham suddenly have Premier League and European interest in a player they desperately need to move on.
And more importantly from a C&H perspective, today’s reports confirm what we told you first.
Aston Villa are in the race for Jean-Clair Todibo, and this transfer now looks like it might finally start moving.
Thought it would be them we should do a 5 games and obligation to buy deal assuming they want a loan.