Fabrizio Romano insists there are no clear ‘favourites’ to sign Jean-Clair Todibo while suggesting he might move only in the summer.
Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside assists Jean-Clair Todibo, who might only move in the summer window despite speculation about a January transfer. The Journalist also suggested there are no clear ‘favourites’ to sign the 24-year-old defender despite speculation linking him with Liverpool and Manchester United.
Jean-Clair Todibo situation so far
Jean-Clair Todibo is one of the coveted centre-backs heading into the January window. The 24-year-old defender has made a name for himself over the last year or so with his performances with OGC Nice, which saw him receive a call-up to the French national side.
While he has only played twice in two games of less consequences, the 24-year-old defender remains optimistic about featuring with the squad for the Euros. He will not discount the possibility a move may scupper that chance, which alternatively could also elevate his opportunity.
Premier League clubs have seen consistent links with the OGC Nice star, with Manchester United among those who are keen. Chelsea are also in the race, and as are Liverpool, with the Red eager to bring a centre-back in this window much like the Red Devils.
A report from French outlet Nice-Matin insisted Liverpool are the current favourite to sign the 24-year-old defender, although Fabrizio Romano suggested otherwise. The Italian Journalist remains unaware of who might be the clear ‘favourite’ to sign the defender while claiming he will likely move on in the summer rather than this month.
Romano said, “Let me clarify once again, there are no clear favourites for the signature of Jean-Clair Todibo, and the expectation is for him to move in the summer, not now,”
“It will take time before we know who the favourite is and what kind of evolution there will be in the next months. “My information remains that OGC Nice don’t want to sell Todibo in January.”
Manchester United and Liverpool centre-back situation explained
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may have identified signing a new central defender as a priority for the club in January. Still, he, seems nowhere close to finding the right target. With INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25% stake in the club, there was an expectation he could facilitate a move for Todibo.
Yet, that’s not the case, as OGC Nice are demanding a sizeable fee that could reach around £60 million as per reports. Liverpool are also in the same boat, as they might have hoped to tie up a deal for the 24-year-old defender on the cheaper side.
Both sides will still try to seek a centre-back, although in Manchester United’s case, they might have to offload someone like Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire first before signing a player of Todibo’s calibre. As for Liverpool, they clearly have a shortage of options following Joel Matip’s season-ending injury.
