Manchester United eye £120m double-deal with one potentially signing in January

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Manchester United could look to bring in both Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva as the Premier League giants look to reinforce their vulnerable backline in 2024.

With even victories-to-nil against the likes of Everton, Fulham and Luton Town papering over the cracks somewhat – Andre Onana far busier than he’d have expected to be against limited opposition – a new defender or two cannot come soon enough at Old Trafford. 

Defensive moves expected

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, it is not necessarily a case of ‘one or the other’ regarding Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva. Manchester United could bring in both players, boosting Erik ten Hag with not one but two new additions in 2024 with the former a genuine possibility for the winter window.

“Jean-Clair Todibo,” Plettenberg writes on X. “Understand that he remains a candidate for Man United in the winter.

“A possible transfer for the 23-year-old should not affect a transfer of Antonio Silva who is still the top target for summer.” 

The right-sided Todibo is valued by Ligue 1 leaders Nice at around £35 million. The one-time Barcelona prospect is, according to the Muppetiers YouTube channel, is ‘likely’ to become Manchester United’s next centre-half signing, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed 25 per cent takeover potentially easing negotiations between Nice and the Red Devils.  

Antonio Silva and Jean-Clair Todibo

Silva, however, will not come quite so cheap. The 20-year-old Portuguese has an £85 million release clause in his contract. And, as Liverpool and Chelsea found out when discussing deals for Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez, Benfica do not make a habit of bartering lower fees for their prized assets.

Benfica have no plans to let Silva leave for a penny less than said clause. As such, deals for Todibo and Silva could set United back around £120 million, with the arrival of both players all-but certain to spell the end for Raphael Varene’s Old Trafford career.

Victor Lindelof’s future should come under threat too, alongside 35-year-old Jonny Evans. It remains to be seen, meanwhile, if Harry Maguire’s recent resurgence is anything more than a short-term thing.