Image Credits: Getty Images
Manchester United have been window shopping for centre backs all season as they gear up for a busy summer rebuild under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Among the players being scouted has been Nice defensive stalwart Jean-Clair Todibo.
Manchester United has been interested in the Frenchman for a while now, even before Sir Jim’s investment, but the interest has never amounted to anything.
The Red Devils were interested in the defender last summer, but the move failed to materialize. It was thought a January transfer would be attempted, but that failed to amount to anything as well, leaving fans very disappointed.
Manchester United were a bit more hopeful this time as he plays for an outfit that is owned by INEOS as well.
According to a report by 90min, this INEOS connection will not do much for United as they are still expected to pay premium for the defender, which concerns the Red Devils.
OGC Nice are understood to be demanding a fee between €55m and €60m (£47m and £51m) to part ways with Todibo, and while that may be cheaper than other targets on United’s radar, such as Juventus’ Bremer and Everton’s Branthwaite, it is not currently seen as the best value for money.
What remains clear is United’s desperate need for a centre back as their best defender Raphael Varane may leave the club.
The World Cup winner’s contract ends in June, and it is still unclear if he will be offered a new one or be let to leave amid heavy interest from Saudi league.
This coupled with Lisandro Martínez’s injury woes this season compounds the need for ten Hag to rebuild his defence this summer.
Nice’s bargaining position has arguably weakened since the January transfer window amid a difficult run of form which has seen them fall from second in Ligue 1 down to sixth, outside the Champions League qualification spots.
