Manchester United are reportedly set to step up their efforts to sign OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United have identified Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as their priority defensive target for the winter transfer market.
Erik ten Hag’s backline has been ravaged by injuries this season, with Lisandro Martinez sidelined until after Christmas, having undergone foot surgery for the second time this year.
Raphael Varane has been in and out of the side due to poor form and fitness, with Harry Maguire re-establishing himself in the starting XI once again alongside veteran Jonny Evans. The Northern Ireland international is now also sidelined, having limped off in the defeat to FC Copenhagen last week.
United were eager to bring in another centre-half during the past summer transfer window, with Todibo among the players they were interested in signing as cover for Maguire, who at the time was nearing a switch to West Ham.
The Frenchman has been a shining light since arriving at Allianz Riviera and has attracted the attention of a host of top European sides thanks to his stellar defensive and ball-playing displays. After an ill-fated spell at Barcelona, where game time was at a premium, Todibo made the switch back to Ligue 1, where Nice concluded a permanent deal following a successful loan stint.
Todibo has now clocked up 114 games for Les Aiglons and built a solid defensive partnership with former Bayern Munich centre-back Dante. He has also made significant inroads into Didier Deschamps’ French national team and is expected to be in contention for France’s Euro 2024 squad in the summer.
Nice remain calm on any potential exit for their prized asset, with four years still to run on his existing deal, and will accept no less than €40 million for their centre-back, with Barcelona owed 20 per cent of the sell-on fee.
For the aforementioned price, he would be a no-brainer signing for the Red Devils and would be a huge upgrade on their current centre-back options.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to secure a minority stake to acquire 25 per cent of the Old Trafford club, owns Todibo’s current side Nice, and his involvement could aid the deal should United push on and strike a deal in the coming months.
