Jean-Clair Todibo has been compared to Raphael Varane throughout his career – and is now wanted by Manchester United.
We are expecting to see confirmation of Rasmus Hojlund’s move from Atalanta to Old Trafford in the coming days.
With Andre Onana and Mason Mount already on board, United have focused on quality over quantity so far this summer.
Any other signings after Hojlund would surely depend on players leaving United to create funds.
We would then expect to see United go for a midfielder such as Sofyan Amrabat, but a defender rumour has emerged once again.
Jean-Clair Todibo linked with Manchester United again
The Daily Mail reported on Monday that United are back in for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
It’s suggested that Todibo has come up in conversations at United if a centre back is targeted in the coming weeks.
United fans are familiar with Todibo rumours after French newspaper L’Equipe suggested in June that he was one of two Ligue 1 targets.
Monaco’s Axel Disasi joined Todibo on the United wish list but he is now set to join Chelsea.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Todibo could be United’s main alternative if Harry Maguire can be moved on before the transfer deadline.
Todibo has regularly been compared to Raphael Varane
A move to United would be fascinating for Todibo given that it would allow him to join Raphael Varane at Old Trafford.
Ever since Todibo emerged at Toulouse, he has been likened to Varane.
Barcelona snapped him up in 2019 and the ‘new Varane’ tag followed him to Spain whilst Ligue 1’s official website have even branded Todibo the ‘next Varane’ too.
Former Toulouse teammate Manu Garcia suggested that whilst players weren’t making the comparison, it was clear to see the similarities between the two players.
Their stories were similar; Varane emerged with Lens and Todibo with Toulouse, with both players making just a handful of appearances before leaving.
Spanish giants pounced in their teen years with Real Madrid signing Varane in 2011 before Todibo to Barcelona in 2019.
Both stand at 6ft 3in tall and possess similar athletic profiles but whilst Varane became a superstar at Real, Todibo didn’t make the grade at Barcelona.
That is where their stories differ but United may well feel that Todibo can be the ideal competition for Varane.
The 30-year-old has endured injury issues during his time at Old Trafford and having Todibo to compete could be ideal.
Maguire hasn’t exactly been a like-for-like replacement for Varane but United may see the famed similarities between Varane and Todibo, sparking this alleged interest in the Nice star.