'Hijack incoming' - West Ham £27m transfer coup faces Newcastle United obstacle

West Ham face yet another obstacle in the pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo with reports suggesting an imminent hijack attempt from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Earlier this week, it had been reported that the Hammers had agreed a £27 million deal with the Ligue 1 outfit for the France international. That transfer would be a statement signing for West Ham, having already splurged £40 million to bring Wolves centre-back Max Kilman to the London Stadium this summer to be reunited with Julen Lopetegui.

A defensive overhaul had been a priority for Lopetegui, with the club also linked with Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The BBC had reported that the deal struck between West Ham and Nice was a loan-to-buy structure. Todibo would arrive in London on a 12-month temporary basis with the club holding the option to make that permanent next summer for £27 million.

Nice had given personal talks between West Ham and the defender the green light but that news already came with the warning of lurking interest from Italian side Juventus. Now it appears that a rival closer to home is also intent on persuading the player to join their project and that's Newcastle United.

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Eddie Howe is also conducting a defensive rework this summer having already brought AFC Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle United on a free transfer following his contract's expiry. The Magpies were also keen on signing Fulham man Tosin Adarabioyo but were beaten to that deal by Chelsea.

HITC now reports that Newcastle United have 'held talks' over a deal for Todibo with new sporting director Paul Mitchell leading negotiations with the player's representatives.

Manchester United had also been previously linked with the player but that move has now been killed off by UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.