DONE DEAL: West Ham have last laugh in response to cheeky Juventus comment about signing

They say he who laughs last, laughs longest and that is certainly the case with West Ham and Jean-Clair Todibo.

West Ham’s signing of Jean-Clair Todibo has raised eyebrows across football.

Not just because he is one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in Europe, but the Hammers genuinely beat Juventus to his capture.

It must not be forgotten Todibo would be at Manchester United right now had UEFA not intervened.

Nice’s owners INEOS also co-own Man United. And they wanted to bring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford.

When that move was blocked due to strict multi-club ownership rules, West Ham sensed an opportunity and pounced, having a bid accepted by Nice weeks ago.

West Ham have last laugh in response to Juventus comment

The problem for the Hammers was that Italian giants Juventus told Todibo they wanted him too.

Todibo wanted to wait to see if Juve could match West Ham’s offer. And any hope of the Hammers signing the ex Barca man looked very remote.