Manchester United are set to compete with Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, according to Nice-Matin.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for the France international last summer, but a deal did not materialise due to their financial situation.
Spurs were tipped to sign the former Barcelona star during the winter transfer window, but they moved for Radu Dragusin from Genoa instead.
Nice-Matin (page 45) now claim that Spurs have not forgotten about the centre-back and they plan to return with a fresh proposal in the upcoming transfer window.
However, they are not alone in the pursuit as United could also revive their long-term interest.
Nice recently missed out on Champions League qualification for next season, and they could be willing to sanction his sale for €40 million (£34m) this summer.
United could have the edge over Spurs in Todibo pursuit
The Red Devils were hot on the trail of Todibo at the start of last season, but they could not afford him after Harry Maguire decided against pursuing a new challenge.
The club planned to recoup funds from Maguire’s sale before stepping up their interest in Todibo, but his decision to stay meant they could not afford the Frenchman.
United did not revive their interest at the turn of the year, but they could be tempted to make a fresh approach with compatriot Raphael Varane set to leave on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old would be a fine successor to the World Cup winner. He averaged 74 passes per game last term with an accuracy of 90 percent.
Todibo won an impressive 58 percent of his duels with 1.9 tackles, 3.1 clearances and 7.1 recoveries per outing. He kept 14 clean sheets in Ligue 1.
He would be a like-for-like replacement for Varane with better mobility. United should have an edge over Spurs due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s presence at the club.
Ratcliffe is in control of football matters at United after acquiring a 25 percent stake, but he is also the owner of Nice. This is a significant advantage for the Red Devils.
Todibo could also be assured of a regular starting role. This may not happen at Spurs, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven being undisputed starters.
United would still have to convince the centre-back into a transfer, particularly if they are unable to qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup.
Todibo, who has been described as a defender with ‘incredible potential‘ by manager Francesco Farioli, recently said he would fit perfectly in the Premier League.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
