Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is set to have a medical with West Ham United on Friday, with the Hammers hoping to beat Juventus to the Frenchman’s signing.
The Hammers have agreed on 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 recruit the 24-year-old, but the Italians were unable to strike a deal with Nice.
While a transfer to the London Stadium is not yet confirmed, it would be a big coup for the Hammers to beat Juventus to the deal, considering that the Italian club can promise Todibo Champions League action.
Manchester United wanted to sign Todibo earlier this summer but were blocked from doing so by Uefa due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement with Nice as it contravened their associated party transaction rules.
Todibo came through Toulouse’s academy before joining Barcelona in 2019. After loan spells with Schalke and Benfica, he joined Nice on a permanent basis in 2021.
The Hammers have been one of the more pro-active clubs this summer, with technical director Tim Steidten keen to reshape the squad following David Moyes’ departure.
The club have spent more than £100m since new boss Julen Lopetegui was appointed as Moyes’ replacement.
They have signed Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville from Leeds, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund, midfielder Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, defender Max Kilman from Wolves and Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez.