Still a glimmer of hope for Newcastle for £33.6m defender as reported PL move hits the skids

Newcastle United are plugging away behind the scenes on transfer deals with fans hoping for a breakthrough in the near future.

One target that Newcastle have had their eye on looked to be heading to the Premier League yesterday after a reported season-long loan with an obligation to buy was touted.

West Ham and OGC Nice had reached an agreement that would see the France centre-back head to West Ham on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy believed to be €40million (£33.6million).

Aston Villa, Manchester United and Newcastle had all been linked with the 24-year-old at one point or another this year, but West Ham came out of nowhere and seemingly secured the deal.

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West Ham's move for Jean-Clair Todibo is on the rocks

However, French publication L'Equipe (via Inside Futbol) are reporting that things may not be so straightforward.

They believe that Todibo has his heart set on a move to Juventus, however, The Old Lady may not have the funds to do the deal.

The report also suggests that Nice would expect any other potential suitors to at least match the offer agreed with West Ham and that Juventus' financial situation will not allow them to do so, which leaves Todibo hanging in limbo with a club that wants him and has agreed terms, a current employer happy to let him go, and a preferred destination that does want him, but can't afford him.

Newcastle are closing in on Malick Thiaw

Newcastle are still reportedly heading in the right direction to bag Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and if that transfer comes off then you'd imagine that would all but end our interest in Jean-Clair Todibo who has slipped down the priority list as it is.

The Magpies have already brought in Lloyd Kelly and were only said to be looking to add two centre-backs to the squad this summer, so Malick Thiaw would be the end of our centre-back pursuits.

Manchester United may take up their interest in Todibo again ... oh no wait, they aren't allowed because of INEOS. Oh well.