Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is due to have a medical with West Ham United on Friday as the Hammers aim to beat Juventus to the Frenchman’s signature.
The Hammers have agreed an initial season-long loan deal for Todibo that includes a 40m Euros (£34.22m) option to buy in 2025.
Juventus had been the front-runners to sign the 24-year-old, but the Italians have struggled to reach an agreement with Nice.
While a move to the London Stadium is not yet certain, it would be a significant coup for the Hammers to edge Juventus to the signing given the Italian club can offer Todibo Champions League football.
Manchester United wanted to sign Todibo earlier this summer but were blocked from doing so by Uefa due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement with Nice as it contravened their associated party transaction rules.
Todibo came through Toulouse’s academy before joining Barcelona in 2019. After loan spells with Schalke and Benfica, he joined Nice on a permanent basis in 2021.
The Hammers have been one of the more pro-active clubs this summer, with technical director Tim Steidten keen to reshape the squad following David Moyes’ departure.
The club have spent more than £100m since new boss Julen Lopetegui was appointed as Moyes’ replacement.
They have signed Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville from Leeds, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund, midfielder Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, defender Max Kilman from Wolves and Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez.