‘I understand’ – Fabrizio Romano says race open for player who is keen on West Ham move

West Ham need to bolster their defence this summer after conceding over 70 goals last season including a few long-range screamers, and despite agreeing a deal for Wolves defender Max Kilman, the Hammers could still sign one more defender. 

Kurt Zouma is into the final year of his contract at the London Stadium, while Nayef Aguerd has attracted interest from his previous club, Rennes.

According to The Athletic, West Ham are open to offers for either player.

After their opening bid for Kilman was rejected, the Hammers explored the option to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Their initial offer, in the region of £25.4 million, was rejected for Todibo, which promoted the Hammers to pay £40 million for Kilman, and the deal was eventually agreed upon.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are weighing up another bid for the French defender.

Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest update on the 24-year-old defender. Writing in the Daily Briefing, he said that the race for Todibo is still open, and several other clubs are interested in signing him.

West Ham made an attempt to sign him after knowing that the defender was keen to join them, but the offer was not good enough for Nice. The price is considered too high.

Romano wrote: “I’m not aware that Jean-Clair Todibo wasn’t interested in a move to West Ham.

“I understand that West Ham were never going to bid for him without guarantees on the player side, and though he was keen on the move the problem was on the price – which is still considered to be too high.

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“The race for Todibo remains open, and there are several clubs interested.”

Kilman would be a fantastic addition to the club. He is vastly experienced and has previously played under Julen Lopetegui.

However, the Hammers probably will feel the need to sign another quality centre-back. Both Aguerd and Zouma need to be replaced after the Hammers conceded 74 Premier League goals last season.

Todibo initially joined Nice on loan from Barcelona and later made the move permanent. He has been a key player for the French club and has made over 115 appearances in all competitions.

However, any move for him will largely depend on whether West Ham can remove players like Aguerd or Zouma.