According to reports, centre back Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice is Manchester United’s “preferred option,” with a center-back signing being their “priority.”
The expectation was that the Red Devils, who now sit fourth in the 2023 Premier League net spend rankings, would shell out a hefty sum to get a new center-back during the recent summer transfer window.
Harry Maguire had the option to stay, but his departure would have freed up cash for a new signing. Because Erik ten Hag was left with a limited budget, the Premier League’s biggest clubs decided to re-sign Jonny Evans in order to save money.
After slipping behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the standings the previous season, Maguire was targeted by West Ham. Having been one of Manchester United’s most impressive players in recent weeks, the England international is reaping the rewards of his choice to stay at the club.
In the meanwhile, Varane has battled injuries, and he’s been connected to a transfer to Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team. According to Caught Offside, the France international has “expressed a desire to try a new challenge.”
According to the same report, Todibo is Man Utd’s “preferred option at the top of the list” and they are “keen to make a center-back a priority for 2024.”
It’s commonly believed that Toddibo may soon leave his present club for a new challenge, with Nice set to want roughly £44 million to let him go. Toddibo has long been watched attentively by United, the report continues.
“CaughtOffside’s sources are not currently aware of anything happening on that front, but reports have also linked Chelsea with the player.”
Over the past two seasons, the 23-year-old has made over 100 appearances for Nice, solidifying his position as one of Ligue Un’s greatest young defenders.
According to TEAMtalk, United is anticipated to postpone their pursuit of signing Todibo until the summer of next year. They provide an account.
While completing a big-money permanent transfer for Todibo in January is expected to be too difficult, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that attention is being made on the recruitment of a new Manchester United defender to join in 2024.
Given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns the team, United has been following Todibo for a while, and ties with Nice should be amicable.
He is poised to increase United’s transfer budget for the upcoming season and purchase a minority interest in the team as well. However, a transaction involving those two teams would be scrutinised, adding another degree of uncertainty to its expeditious completion.
