Manchester United hope Ineos will sway transfer deal and beat Liverpool to France international

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Liverpool are reportedly leading the race with Manchester United to sign French defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo since the summer transfer window but that deal failed to materialise due to Harry Maguire remaining at Old Trafford.

Since then, Todibo has hugely impressed this season in Ligue 1 for Nice as the Frenchman has helped his side into the Champions League places and are just five points off of the summit of the league table.

As a result of Todibo’s performances, it’s not only United who are interested with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain being credited with an interest in the 24-year-old French defender.

Liverpool lead the race

According to a report from French outlet Nice-Matin, Liverpool are now leading the race to sign the former FC Barcelona defender but a move for the Frenchman has been ruled out in January.

The price tag for the Frenchman is believed to be around £51 million this month which has put off potential suitors this month and the defender is keen on remaining in Ligue 1.

With the European Championship kicking off this summer, Todibo is keen on remaining in Ligue 1 as he has continuity ahead of the tournament and, based on current form, the Frenchman could be in with a shout of starting for his national team.

Despite this, Jurgen Klopp’s men look to be the favourites for the signing in the summer as the rejuvenated project at Anfield is said to be key and the relationship Todibo has with Ibrahim Konate is also said to tip things in their favour.

United’s ace up their sleeve

The Red Devils still have an important ace up their sleeve if they are keen on making a move for the Frenchman and that is of course Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.

United will try and use this relationship to their advantage but they look to be on the back foot already. Benfica defender Antonio Silva has been named as the top target by Florian Plettenberg.

Silva would be more expensive but the ceiling of the Portuguese defender is certainly higher than that of the Frenchman. United may well be making a good decision when it comes to their target for a new defensive signing.