Aston Villa and West Ham clash over sought-after French defender

Aston Villa have set their sights on acquiring French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice as they look to bolster their defensive lineup ahead of the new season. The 24-year-old has been a revelation in Ligue 1, attracting interest from several top European clubs.

Todibo's journey has been one of resilience and determination. After struggling to establish himself at Barcelona, he found his footing at Nice, where he has made 136 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists. His solid performances have not only made him a key figure in Nice's defence but also put him on the radar of elite clubs across the continent.

Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa are determined to strengthen their backline, especially with Clement Lenglet returning to Barcelona following his loan spell and the uncertainty surrounding Diego Carlos' future. Todibo's potential arrival at Villa Park would provide a much-needed boost to their defensive options, particularly with the club's recent qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

However, Aston Villa faces stiff competition in their pursuit of the French defender. West Ham United, who recently secured the signing of Max Kilman, remain keen on Todibo and have already seen a €35 million (£30 million) bid rejected by Nice, who are holding out for a higher fee.

Juventus are also in the mix, with sporting chief Cristiano Giuntoli eager to make Todibo their second signing from Nice this summer, following the capture of Khephren Thuram. Financial constraints, however, may hinder Juve's efforts, as they may need to offload players to fund the transfer.

Manchester United's interest in Todibo is complicated by UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS holding stakes in both Manchester United and Nice, a transfer between the two clubs is unlikely due to regulations preventing 'decisive influence' over more than one club in the same competition.

Nice's valuation of Todibo, believed to be around €40 million (£34 million), has deterred some suitors, but Aston Villa appears ready to make the necessary investment to secure his services. The opportunity to play in the Champions League could be a deciding factor for Todibo, giving Villa a significant advantage in the race for his signature.

Aston Villa will be hoping to fend off rivals and clinch the deal for Jean-Clair Todibo. The addition of a top-quality defender like Todibo would be a major coup for the Villans as they prepare for a challenging season that includes both domestic and European commitments.