Everton are reportedly in the race to sign OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is also on the radars of Manchester United and Newcastle United.
According to French publication Var-Matin, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are involved in the multi-club battle for the signing of OGC Nice defender Jean Clair-Todibo. The 22-year-old is also being pursued by Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Todibo burst into the limelight when he secured a transfer to Barcelona from Toulouse in January 2019. However, his time in Catalonia was a major failure. After loan stints away at Schalke and Benfica, the 22-year-old joined Nice on loan in the winter window of last year, before the transfer was made permanent in the summer.
Since moving to France, Todibo has gotten his career back on track and has developed well over the past 18 months. He played 40 times in all competitions for Nice in 2021/22, scoring one goal. His progress and performances have attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Everton the latest to enter the race.
Everton have already strengthened their defence this summer with the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer. However, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate were far from consistent, whereas Yerry Mina’s injury issues remain a concern. And with Jarrad Branthwaite likely to be loaned out, the Toffees could do with another centre-back.
It has seemingly led them to Todibo, a player who had been linked with Everton a couple of years ago after his loan stint with Schalke. However, Frank Lampard’s side will have to battle with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United to sign the former Barcelona defender.
Manchester United’s defence was woeful last season and the performance of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory earlier this week hardly inspired confidence. So, it does not come as a surprise that the Red Devils are looking for reinforcements, with Lisandro Martinez set to join the club imminently.
However, with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe likely to be sold, there may be room for another defender to ensure enough depth in the defensive roster. Todibo could be seen as a good fit for the role as he can gradually grow into a regular with experience.
Newcastle United are also in the hunt for another defensive signing despite having brought in Sven Botman from LOSC Lille. There have been murmurs surrounding the future of Jamaal Lascelles while Ciaran Clark has left the club on loan. Federico Fernandez could also be offloaded, opening up a spot in the defensive roster to compete with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, making Todibo a viable target.
Apart from the three Premier League clubs, Napoli, AC Milan and Sevilla are also said to be interested in Todibo, setting up a potentially intriguing transfer battle for the 22-year-old defender.
