£29.4m defender ‘wants to join’ club amid Aston Villa and West Ham interest

OGC Nice star Jean Clair-Todibo is reportedly closing in on a move to Serie A giants Juventus after the defender expressed a strong desire to join.

The Frenchman was heavily linked with Manchester United at the start of the summer window but UEFA rules got in the way of any potential deal. This was due to INEOS, a company that owns 25 per cent of United, having full control of Nice.

This transfer breaking down opened up an opportunity for several other potential suitors to swoop, with Aston Villa and West Ham United among the clubs with a  serious interest. Todibo even hinted about moving to the Premier League but he now looks destined for Italy instead.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports Juventus will submit an opening bid of €35 million (£29.4 million) after getting the go-ahead from the player’s representatives. A positive meeting has already taken place with Todibo himself over terms, with a five-year deal said to be agreed in principle.

Todibo had admitted several weeks ago his desire to depart Nice for pastures new, as he feels he’s reached a ceiling in the south of France. The former Barcelona man has ambitions of playing consistently in the Champions League and Europa League while also challenging for domestic trophies.

“I want to win titles and play in the best European competitions,” Todibo told Get French Football News. “Those are my objectives. I’d also like to go to a club that will allow me to become better, to allow me to progress on an individual level. That’s what interests me,” Todibo said.