Manchester United have been linked with a move for 24-year-old OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in recent weeks.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have now hit a roadblock in their pursuit of 24-year-old French international defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
UEFA rules could now derail the French defender’s move to Manchester United. Since both clubs are in the same European competition next season and they have the same ownership, the Frenchman is unlikely to get the green light to move to the Premier League with Manchester United.
Romano claims that talks were quite advanced between the two parties, and they were keen for the move to go through. Raphael Varane is leaving the club this summer upon the expiry of his contract, and he will need to be replaced adequately.
Manchester United would have hoped to replace him with his compatriot. But the move for Todibo seems quite unlikely now. They must plug the gaps in their squad before the summer transfer window closes, and signing another central defender should be a top priority. The development will come as a major blow for Manchester United.
The Red Devils need to bring in a quality central defenders this summer, and Todibo would have been a quality acquisition. The 24-year-old has proven his quality in Ligue 1, and he is certainly good enough for the Premier League as well. Apart from his qualities as a defender, he is quite accomplished on the ball and would have added a new dimension to their play making.
Todibo will want to join a big club
The 24-year-old defender will be devastated to miss out on a move to a big club as well. He has been linked with other Premier League clubs recently, and it will be interesting to see if his other suitors are willing to come forward and secure a move for him. There is no doubt that he is a quality defender, and whoever ends up signing him will a tremendous prospect on their hands for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Manchester United looked vulnerable defensively last season, and it remains to be seen whether they can bring it the right additions this summer. They will be hoping to push for major trophies and they need quality players in order for that to happen. It will be interesting to see if they decide to move on to other targets now.
