Aston Villa are exploring a deal to sign West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Unai Emery searches for a new centre-back. The France international is available to leave the London Stadium following relegation, giving the Hammers another potential route to resolve his future before the transfer window closes.
Villa have turned towards Todibo after encountering problems with alternative defensive targets.
Aston Villa explore Jean-Clair Todibo deal
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reports that Aston Villa are exploring a move for Todibo, with the 26-year-old now prominent on the club’s shortlist.
Villa need another centre-back following Ezri Konsa’s move to Arsenal.
They had progressed negotiations with Club Brugge for Joel Ordonez on an initial loan containing a €30million obligation to buy, but concerns over the Ecuador international’s metatarsal injury and recovery timeframe caused that move to break down.
Villa have also failed with offers for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, leaving the clubs apart on valuation.
Todibo has consequently emerged as another option.
The identity of Villa is particularly significant for West Ham. ReadWestHam reported on Monday that West Ham were in discussions with an unnamed Premier League club over Todibo.
Aston Villa have also already taken Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham on a season-long loan containing a route towards a permanent transfer.
West Ham need Todibo resolution
Todibo has yet to play competitively for West Ham this season and his future has remained uncertain throughout August.
Marseille previously reached an agreement with the defender over personal terms before pursuing a loan. ReadWestHam covered that development in our Jean-Clair Todibo Marseille transfer update.
More recently, ReadWestHam reported fresh uncertainty around Todibo and Edson Álvarez as Nuno Espírito Santo continued reshaping his squad.
Villa’s interest could now offer West Ham another solution.
It comes on the same day the Hammers agreed a package worth up to £40m for Malick Diouf to join Brentford, potentially removing another senior defender from Nuno’s options.
Our latest West Ham transfer tracker already identified centre-back as one of the positions requiring attention before the deadline.
Villa have not yet submitted a reported bid for Todibo, and there is no suggestion of an agreement between the clubs.
For now, they are exploring the move.
But after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Todibo, West Ham may finally know the identity of the Premier League club considering offering him a route out of east London.
