Manchester United have purportedly dispatched a scout to observe Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in action during Friday’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille.
The Red Devils have already made a notable impact in the transfer window, securing signings like Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund.
However, their appetite for acquisitions remains unquenched, as Erik ten Hag strives to reinforce both the defensive and midfield sectors.
With Harry Maguire’s reported move to West Ham United on the horizon, Manchester United has commenced the quest for a fresh central defender.
Todibo has evidently caught their attention as a credible contender to potentially succeed Maguire within the ranks of Man United.
While Nice’s manager Francesco Farioli has expressed a desire to retain the 23-year-old’s services, he was unable to provide firm assurances about Todibo’s future.
Farioli shared these thoughts during a press conference ahead of Nice’s opening Ligue 1 fixture, a 1-1 draw against Lille.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United dispatched a scout to witness Todibo’s full involvement in Friday’s match.
However, Todibo and his teammates couldn’t prevent Bafode Diakhite of Lille from equalising in injury time, following Gaetan Laborde’s first-half opener.
The 23-year-old initially joined Nice on loan from Barcelona in February 2021, later making the transfer permanent in the subsequent summer.
During his two-year tenure at the club, the centre-back has amassed a total of 104 competitive appearances and contributed two goals.
Although Todibo appears to be on the radar, the potential deal’s outcome might be influenced by Manchester United’s pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.
Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are at the forefront of acquiring the French international, who has entered the final 12 months of his Bayern contract.
Allegedly, the German champions would endorse the transfer if Manchester United meets their €30m (£25.97m) valuation for the 27-year-old.
Ten Hag’s team is poised to commence their Premier League campaign on Monday, hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
