West Ham withdraw interest in Todibo after initial £30m bid | OneFootball

West Ham United have pulled out of the race to sign OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Calciomercato.

Nice are open to selling Todibo but are holding out for at least £35 million, which forced West Ham to reconsider their interest in the defender.

The Hammers launched an initial £30m bid for Todibo, but it was quickly rejected by Nice.

West Ham then turned their attention to Max Kilman, who was a priority target for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Wolverhampton Wanderers turned down an initial £25m offer before both clubs agreed on a £40m deal for the experienced English defender.

With Kilman on board, West Ham felt comfortable ending their pursuit of Todibo, who is now reportedly setting his sights on a move to Serie A giants Juventus.

While West Ham couldn’t offer European football, Todibo was reportedly not opposed to the idea of moving to the London Stadium.

However, West Ham were reluctant to match Nice’s demands, and Lopetegui’s preference for Kilman ultimately sealed the deal.

West Ham need another centre-back

Kilman’s quality and leadership are unquestionable. Landing his signature is a coup, but West Ham must bolster the defence further with the addition of another centre-back.

Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma are facing uncertain futures at the London Stadium, and at least one is expected to leave the club this summer.

There’s a decent chance both players will leave, and with the earlier departure of stalwart Angelo Ogbonna, it’s crucial for the club to sign another defender to partner Kilman.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Hull City defender Jacob Greaves and Olympique Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien.

Either player would be a decent addition to the squad, contributing to a revamped defence that could be the backbone for a potential European push next season.