Bryan Gil of Tottenham Hotspur (right) and Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice compete for the ball during a friendly match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Photo date:
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Manchester United are on the hunt for a new defender this summer and recent reports suggest they are currently targeting Liverpool.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed a solid partnership in the Man Utd defence, but Erik ten Hag is keen to add to his options.
Indeed, Man Utd have kept 15 clean sheets in the competition so far. Ten Hag have built the foundation of a solid defense, but now they want to take it to the next level. With players like Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof on long-term surpluses, United are now looking to replace them.
According to information from Caught Offside, Man Utd recently sent scouts to monitor OGC Nice midfielder Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old has made 30 league appearances this season and has been key to a Nice defense that has conceded just 32 goals all season.
Todibo is highly regarded in Ligue 1 and has attracted a lot of interest. His current contract with the French team runs until 2027. The French defender has grown stronger since leaving Barcelona in 2021. He signed his last contract extension with Nice last November and therefore appears to be in no hurry to leave.
His base numbers are impressive as he averages 2.3 tackles and 3.2 clears per game. He averaged 63 passes per game with an accuracy rate of 89.1%.
Under Ten Hag, it was essential that his defenders be able to build play from the back. This position will be an important area to strengthen this summer and Todibo will be a useful addition.
Liverpool and Newcastle are interested
In addition to Man Utd, recently many other clubs have also been impressed with Todibo. Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle were also mentioned as interested.
Fabrizio Romano clarified the latest situation with the Tweeting player:
“Please understand that Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool scouts were present at the Nice-Rennes match to watch Jean Clair Todibo.
"The French midfielder could secure a move to a top club this summer - for an estimated €45 million."
Considering he has a contract with Nice until 2027, a fee of around £40m could be a big deal. Liverpool and Newcastle are also looking for a defender or two.
Jurgen Klopp's side have conceded 42 goals this season, far more than in previous years.
Although Liverpool only let their opponents take 9.9 shots per game on average, they tend to create big chances more often.
Man Utd and Liverpool are fighting for the top 4. Whoever has a place in the Champions League next season can dominate the Todibo deal. Newcastle are also expected to have a place in the European Cup next season, which will be a huge driving force for their transfer policy. When things settle, Todibo will certainly have no shortage of offers this summer.
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