Manchester United have been dealt a transfer boost regarding their interest in Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old France international has long been a target for the Red Devils and whilst fellow Premier League club Tottenham are also interested, it seems the centre-back is staying put for now.
Likely to cost the club upwards of £40m, United are seeking clarity over their ongoing ownership situation, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to soon confirm his purchase of 25% in the club.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein earlier today, Ange Postecoglou's side are still in the market themselves for a defender, given the recent injury sustained to summer signing Micky van de Ven.
Owner Daniel Levy is expected to front up some cash for a new defender in the upcoming weeks but Ornsetin has made it clear that any deal is not likely to involve Todibo at this stage.
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"Injuries and suspensions have afflicted a Tottenham squad that was already a work in progress, so head coach Ange Postecoglou and the hierarchy will aim to keep building in January," he wrote in his transfer breakdown.
"Spurs — like the majority of their rivals — will be operating on a tight budget, but it does not prevent them transfers; they will just need to be creative.
"The priority is a centre-back and a lot of work is being done. Names such as Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are in the public domain but it is doubtful the France international defender will join Spurs this winter."
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United still face questions of their own heading into the January window, with the futures of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all yet to be decided.
Lisandro Martinez has still not returned from injury, and, given the Red Devils poor start to the season, Harry Maguire has continued to impress at the heart of Erik ten Hag's defence in his absence.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Erik Ten Hag
Matthew Holt