In-demand star wanted by Manchester United has impressed Kylian Mbappe, the only one who can stop him

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Jean-Clair Todibo could be on his way to Premier League giants Manchester United and the Nice defender will arrive at Old Trafford after impressing Kylian Mbappe.

You’d probably need only one hand to count the number of centre-halves capable of stopping the Paris Saint-Germain superstar in full flow. But, in training for the French national team, the man who could soon become the first big signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Manchester United has certainly left his mark on Mbappe.

Quite literally, perhaps. According to William Humberset, a reporter at the Nice Matin newspaper, Todibo is doing something which appears to be beyond the likes of Ibrahim Konate, Axel Disasi, Jules Kounde and even William Saliba. 

Todibo has the measure of Mbappe

“Kylian Mbappe confides privately,” Humberset tells the Nice Matin podcast. “That the only defender in the France squad who manages to stop him in training is Jean-Clair Todibo.” High praise, indeed. 

With speculation over a move to Old Trafford rising – reported by TNT Sports on be on United’s shortlist – Mbappe’s admiration for the one-time Barcelona youngster will only increase the sense of excitement surrounding him. 

Much has been made of Todibo’s elegant ball-carrying and his superb passing range. But, as arguably the best forward in world football will attest to, the 23-year-old’s defensive qualities should not be overlooked.

‘Would love to join Manchester United’

“Todibo is a player (who has been) on the list of Manchester United since June, July. They had very positive conversations on player side,” Fabrizio Romano recently told The United Stand.

Todibo could potentially swap one Ratcliffe-controlled club for another in 2024.

“From what I’m hearing now, the ideas (have) not changed,” Romano adds. “Todibo would love to join Manchester United. He’s really attracted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

“He remains a player appreciated by United’s scouting department. (But) not the only one.” 

While the odds on Manchester United signing Todibo are shortening with every day Ratcliffe closes in on his minority takeover (TEAMtalk), Antonio Silva, Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Giorgio Scalvini and especially Goncalo Inacio are also worth keeping an eye on.