Aston Villa have turned their attention to West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Unai Emery looks for another solution to his centre-back problem. Villa’s move for Joel Ordóñez is now off, while Southampton continue to resist their attempts to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reports that Villa are exploring a deal for Todibo, who has become prominent on the club’s defensive shortlist.
It follows a dramatic change in the Ordóñez situation, with Crystal Palace moving ahead of Villa for the Club Brugge defender.
Aston Villa turn to Jean-Clair Todibo
Villa had been progressing talks over an initial loan for Ordóñez containing a €30million obligation to buy.
However, concerns over the 22-year-old’s fractured metatarsal and the timeframe for his recovery contributed to Villa moving away from the deal.
Palace have since accelerated their own negotiations.
Villa have also seen two offers rejected for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with Southampton and Villa still apart on their valuation of the England international.
Todibo has therefore emerged as another option.
The 26-year-old has made 54 appearances for West Ham since joining from Nice and is available following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.
Villa have already completed one deal with West Ham this summer by bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Villa Park on a season-long loan containing a potential obligation to buy.
Todibo would provide Emery with considerably more Premier League experience than Ordóñez and could also be available immediately.
No bid or agreement has yet been reported, so Villa remain at the exploratory stage.
What is increasingly clear, however, is that replacing Ezri Konsa remains one of Villa’s biggest priorities before the window closes.
Ordóñez now appears to be heading elsewhere, Southampton continue to hold firm over Harwood-Bellis, and Todibo has become the latest defender under serious consideration.
