Man United wanted to sign Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window - but were blocked from doing so by UEFA's rules - and he could now be about to show them what they missed out on.
The summer transfer window had not even officially opened for business and the rumour mill was in full swing as far as Manchester United were concerned.
The petrochemicals giant purchased the Ligue 1 outfit in July 2019. Ineos also owns Swiss outfit FC Lausanne-Sport. As a result of Ineos have full control of two clubs and a minority stake in United, they have to be wary of multi-club ownership rules. Such rulings prevent clubs from trading with each other, meaning United's hopes of signing Todibo were quashed, leading to Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticising the rulebook.
Todibo, speaking in May, said: "It's nice to hear all the compliments. I'm trying to stay focused on my game and my teammates - but for sure I am open to playing in the Premier League." Should he be included in Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui's plans, it is highly likely a feeling of 'what if' will run through his mind, given he could have been lining up in United colours instead. The Reds, as already documented, wanted to strengthen their centre-back options in the summer and ended up signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Todibo's fellow countryman, Leny Yoro, from Lille.
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