Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo during the January transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.
The Frenchman was on the Red Devils radar last summer, but a transfer offer was not made due to the lack of funds. Harry Maguire’s decision to stay meant that the club could not afford the 24-year-old due to Financial Fair Play reasons.
United’s situation remains similar in the New Year and they now face the risk of losing Todibo to either Chelsea or Spurs. Foot Mercato claim that the Blues have opened talks to sign the centre-back and he is currently high on their transfer wishlist.
Spurs have also made a very concrete approach for the former Barcelona man and Todibo is keen on the club’s project. Nice are not looking to part ways with the talented defender, as things stand. Spurs have Radu Dragusin as their alternative.
Meanwhile, United continue to monitor Todibo and it is mentioned that they could have an advantage with Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to be approved as a minority investor in the coming weeks. However, a deal is unlikely until the summer.
Todibo’s agent could be pushing for a January exit
The former Toulouse star has been one of the best performing defenders in the French top-flight. He has completed 80 passes per league game this term with an accuracy of 90 per cent.
The €40 million-rated (£35m) star has also won two tackles and 4.6 duels per game alongside 3.2 clearances. The centre-back also possess good recovery pace and has made almost eight recoveries on average.
Hence, it is unsurprising that Chelsea and Spurs are pushing to sign Todibo, but United continue to be linked as well. In our view, his representative is trying to secure a mid-season exit for him.
With FFP issues, United are unlikely to enter into a bidding war with Spurs and most particularly Chelsea, who have spent a staggering £1.2 billion on new signings since their takeover last summer.
With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez anticipated to return from respective injuries this month, the club could delay the pursuit of a central defender until the end of the campaign.
They should invest the funds on reinforcing the attack. Serhou Guirassy or Paulo Dybala should be targeted. Both are available for relatively low prices due to release clauses in their deals.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
