Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke – two players tracked by Newcastle in recent seasons – are closing in on big-money moves.
As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have hijacked Juventus’ deal for Todibo, with the centre-back on his way the London to complete an initial loan move that includes an obligation to buy for €40m (£35m) next summer.
Todibo has been tracked by Newcastle scouts for some time and it was reported last month that sporting director Paul Mitchell had explored a deal for the France international defender now on his way to the Hammers.
Then for Dominic Solanke, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Bournemouth have agreed a club-record deal to sell the striker – who has a £65m release clause in his contract – as Spurs finalise a deal that would see them sign their first striker since the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer.
Two good deals for two potential top six rivals next season, with the Hammers signing impressively this summer following the arrival of former Spain, Sevilla and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui.
🚨⚒️ Jean-Clair Todibo to West Ham, here we go! Exclusive scoop confirmed as hijack is completed.
Understand Todibo, his agent and West Ham director Tim Steidten are flying to London right now! 🇬🇧🛫
€40m on loan + obligation, sell-on clause included.
Medical booked today. pic.twitter.com/9VhMiLFN7h
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024
Eddie Howe confirmed his admiration for Solanke earlier this year after The Telegraph reported that he’d been identified as a potential Callum Wilson replacement. However, it was quickly accepted that we could not afford to pay big bucks for a striker arriving to compete with Alexander Isak.
Newcastle sealed a deal for third-choice striker Will Osula yesterday and remain confident of agreeing a deal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with Mark Douglas (i paper) reporting yesterday that there’s optimism an agreement will be reached as talks continue.
