European giants rival Man Utd in Jean-Clair Todibo pursuit - report
Manchester United could face competition if they opt to pursue OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window, with Atletico Madrid now linked with the defender.
United have seen the heart of their defence ravaged by injuries throughout 2023/24 – at present, Harry Maguire is the only senior centre-back available to manager Erik ten Hag – so recruiting in that department seems like a must ahead of a crucial 2024/25 campaign.
Todibo, once briefly of Barcelona but now thriving at Nice, marshalling Ligue 1's meanest defence this season, has emerged as a target in recent months. He is also well known to Sir Jim Ratcliffe already through INEOS' ownership of the French side.
But a new report from France states Atletico Madrid's firm interest. According to, Atletico have made Todibo their first-choice target to strengthen at the back, having seen their once ironclad defence become much more porous since last winning La Liga in 2021.
The 24-year-old is under contract with Nice until 2027, which would require negotiating a transfer fee with Nice in addition to persuading the player to return to Spain.
Manchester United's interest in Todibo actually predates the arrival of the new INEOS contingent at Old Trafford. But has previously reported there will be no favours or discount offered by Nice, leaving United officials concerned over a premium asking price of up to €60m (£51m).
That isn't as much as the £70m and higher Everton are expected to quote for 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite, who is also admired by United – as well as Real Madrid, but Todibo's price tag is not currently seen as the best value money on the market.
Tottenham Hotspur were previously put off Todibo by the €60m valuation and subsequently landed
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