Manchester United are linked with Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo but it is Juventus who are now making a push for his signature.
Centre-back has not been a priority for Manchester United this summer. See how the early links to Kim Min-Jae faded away, with Erik ten Hag rightly prioritising other positions.
Amid Harry Maguire’s demotion from captain, there is a chance he is moved on, asking questions over a possible replacement.
The list of options is growing gradually smaller, with Axel Disasi now set for Chelsea, The Mail report.
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Jean-Clair Todibo wanted by Juventus
Earlier in the summer, L’Équipe, reported Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo was a name on Manchester United’s list.
Over the weekend, The Mail reported Todibo had re-emerged onto United’s radar amid Disasi’s move to Chelsea.
French outlet Nice-Matin report Nice wanted around £35 million for the former Barcelona centre-back.
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Moving for a centre-back is still not a priority for Manchester United, and while the club concentrate on other areas, there is an increasing chance the defender gets snapped up.
RMC Sport report Juventus last night made contact to express interest in the defender, and believes Todibo is keen on the move.
Fabrizio Romano clarifies that no bid has yet been submitted, noting that ‘Juventus new director Giuntoli has always appreciated Todibo.’
Sir Jim Ratcliffe factor counts for little
Manchester United takeover bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns French side Nice, however, don’t expect this to be a factor in the Todibo race.
The defender may be appreciated by United, but it feels like a lot would have to change, for the Red Devils to actually pursue him this summer.
United are more likely to wait until 2024 to target a centre-back, and move for a first choice option, rather than let the list continually get whittled down.
If Todibo stays put, he has an extra year to prove himself. But if he is snapped up by Juventus, then so be it.