Manchester United are expected to push to sign a centre-back in 2024 and one player is very keen to join, it has been claimed.
Manchester United have been tested defensively so far this season and have had to rely on 35-year-old free agent Jonny Evans to fill in.
Fabrizio Romano has told The United Stand that Manchester United will push to sign a new centre-back in 2024, either in January or next summer.
The transfer insider has added that Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, one of the key targets, is keen on a move.
Jean-Clair Todibo was linked to Manchester United in the summer, via L’Equipe, but a move did not materialise with the Red Devils spending transfer funds in other positions.
According to Romano, talks were held with Todibo and the player was positive about a potential move, and remains so.
He explained: “Todibo is a player in the list of Manchester United already since June, July, they had very positive conversations on player side.
“From what I’m hearing still now, the ideas not changed, Todibo would love to join Manchester United.
“He’s really attracted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League. He’s an expensive player.
“He remains a player appreciated by United’s scouring department… not the only one.”
Romano added that Juventus were quoted around £40 million when they enquired after Todibo in the summer.
Jean-Clair Todibo has insisted he was quite content to stay put, but did not deny conversations took place.
He was quoted by Maxifoot: “I’m very happy to have stayed honestly. Staying in Nice was one of the options, I’m very happy here.
“The club has brought me a lot. I had opportunities elsewhere. I listened to them like any human being. “would have done, it was very good opportunities. But staying in Nice suits me wonderfully, it’s great for me, I feel good here.”
You would expect Todibo to say this publicly, even if his private feeling may be that he would jump at the chance to sign for Manchester United.
Nice are flying in Ligue 1 right now, currently ranking first. That complicates a potential deal to sign him mid-season, if they maintain this form heading into January.
Manchester United soon-to-be investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns Nice, but this doesn’t necessarily mean he will be giving away his star defender to the Red Devils.
Letting Todibo go to Manchester United would be complicated politically for Ratcliffe at Nice, who won’t want the French side to be seen as a feeder club.
What they must do is acquire a top quality replacement, first. If that can be accomplished, then it will soften the blow of letting Todibo sign for Manchester United next summer.
