Man Utd hit by transfer blow as Premier League rivals make offer for key target

West Ham United have seen a €35m (£29.6m) transfer offer for Nice defender and Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo turned down, according to reports.

The two-time France international is wanted at Old Trafford but a move to take him there has so far been blocked due to UEFA's rules regarding multi-club ownership, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS holding stakes in both United and Nice.

Ratcliffe has already bemoaned the regulations that have stopped the Red Devils completing a deal, but now the saga has taken another twist with the news of West Ham entering the race for his signature.

The Hammers have, however, seen their €35m proposal turned down by Ligue 1 outfit Nice as it sits below the desired sum they want for their star defender, according to L'Equipe.

The London side have already said goodbye to Angelo Ogbonna and Thilo Kehrer this summer while Nayef Aguerd has also been linked with an exit, making a new recruit in central defence imperative for new manager Julen Lopetegui.

As for United, they look to have moved on from their bid to sign Todibo with reports linking Erik ten Hag with a reunion with Matthijs de Ligt.

The Netherlands international - who is yet to play a minute for his country at Euro 2024 - is now the subject of formal talks between Bayern Munich and United and it is understood offers of €50m will be entertained by the German giants during the transfer window.

That proposed fee is significantly lower than Everton's price tag for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, with United previously seeing a £40m offer knocked back with the Toffees holding out for closer to £70m.

The FA Cup holders are also keen to improve their forward options and are said to have made contact with representatives of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee.

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