Manchester United have Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo on their agenda but are likely to face competition from Arsenal, according to Sport.
The Red Devils were looking at the possibility of signing the Frenchman during the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialise.
United were hoping to offload Harry Maguire to West Ham United such that they could recoup funds, but the former captain decided to stay put at the club.
It is now reported that United remain interested in the 23-year-old, who is currently one of the ‘most outstanding’ centre-backs in the French top-flight.
Premier League rivals Arsenal have also entered the race for his signature, but Nice have no intention of selling Todibo to either club in the January window.
Nice have made the decision to keep him until the summer where they could sell him for €40 million.
Sport claim that Barcelona are hopeful that Todibo moves to either club. The Catalans inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause during his sale to the French side.
United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly spoke with Todibo during the summer, but the defender had doubts over joining the club without a definitive role.
However, the Red Devils should be in a better position to convince him next summer particularly if Raphael Varane leaves the club on a permanent basis.
The Frenchman has recently fallen out-of-favour with the manager and there is a vacancy that could open up in the heart of the defence for the 2024/25 season.
This should hand United an advantage over the Gunners, who currently have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as undisputed starters under Mikel Arteta.
Another plus point for United should be the minority takeover from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is currently the owner of Ligue 1 leaders Nice.
Ratcliffe looks set to take control of the sporting matters at the club. United’s prospects of signing Todibo could be significantly boosted due to his presence.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post Man Utd now want to sign 'most outstanding' €40m star, Arsenal have joined the race - report appeared first on Man Utd News.
