Home Football L’Equipe: Nice defender valued at 40 million close to a Man Utd transfer

L’Equipe: Nice defender valued at 40 million close to a Man Utd transfer

Football — 08/23/2023

A potential move for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo to Manchester United seems to be on the horizon, as reported by French outlet L’Equipe.

Recent reports indicated Manchester United’s interest in securing Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, a pursuit that faced a hurdle when Harry Maguire declined to leave the club. The plan was to use funds from Maguire’s potential move to West Ham United to fuel a formal bid for Pavard’s signature.

Todibo is now a target for Manchester United

However, Inter Milan has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Pavard, contingent upon Bayern finding a suitable replacement. Amidst this development, L’Equipe suggests that Todibo is now a target for Manchester United, and a transfer to Old Trafford is gaining traction. Todibo is currently valued at €40 million by Nice.

Todibo is currently valued at €40 million by Nice

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, initially expressed interest in bringing Pavard to the club. However, it’s been revealed that Ten Hag has also engaged in discussions with Todibo regarding a potential move.

Todibo’s possible move to Manchester United could still hinge on Maguire’s departure. The French center-back has showcased his prowess in Ligue 1, averaging 57 passes per game with a commendable 89 percent accuracy. He’s won 2.2 tackles, 4.4 duels, and executed 3.1 clearances per outing in the previous season. His recovery pace has also caught attention, making him a promising addition.

Todibo was excellent at Nice

While Ten Hag prefers Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as starters, the injury-prone Varane leaves room for Todibo to establish himself in the lineup. Considering his price tag, Todibo could be a shrewd acquisition for Manchester United. The lingering question, however, revolves around the club’s financial capacity to secure his services in the impending days.

Losing Pavard and Gravenberch make Todibo become suit for Man Utd

Manchester United’s pursuit of Pavard hinged on Maguire’s potential exit, and when that didn’t materialize due to West Ham’s rejection, the board withdrew from the Pavard race. Given Financial Fair Play concerns, Todibo’s transfer might still depend on Maguire’s departure, or it could pivot on Manchester United generating adequate funds from other potential player exits.