INEOS are considering the business that can be done between Manchester United and Nice ahead of the summer’s transfer window.
Even before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, who own Nice, became shareholders at Old Trafford – Manchester United had an interest in a number of the French’s side’s squad.
Now sources have confirmed to HITC that conversations have taken place at the highest levels within Ineos about the prospects of players moving to England.
Which Nice players could United be tempted by
United’s interest in central defender Jean-Clair Todibo is much publicised and he is very much under consideration to be a summer recruit with the possibility of two centre-halves being brought in by the Red Devils this summer.
However, HITC understands other Nice players are under consideration – and they include left-back Melvin Bard and midfielder Khephren Thuram.
Left-back Bard is a player United have been doing work on for a number of months as they consider whether to bring in a left-back or right-back. It is understood some within the club feel a left-back is a more pressing situation than a right-back due to ongoing concerns of the long-term fitness ofLuke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
The other player who has emerged on United’s radar and has come up on conversations is midfield dynamo Khephren Thuram – a player who has been on the radars of a number of United’s Premier League rivals.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham have all taken a keen interest the France international at various points in the last 18-months but now HITC is told that he is a player that ‘intrigues’ a number of people at United and he is under consideration to be a summer signing.
Thuram’s current deal is due to expire in 2025 and Nice are looking into a new deal, but they realise that they would have to look at a sale this summer – if the 23-year-old rejects the chance to extend with them.
United are planning on bringing in at least one new midfielder this summer as they plan on trying to move on the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek – but their ability to bring in that midfielder will depend on their outgoings.
Nice to Manchester move
Whilst Ineos have discussed who could arrive from France, they have also looked at the possibility of players moving the other way and indeed both Eriksen and van de Beek have been mentioned in conversations.
It is believed that United do see Nice as a possibility to hone some of their top emerging talent – but Ineos do insist that no deals would be forced on either club as their own independence is important despite being under the same ownership umbrella, and that is important given that could be expanded in the coming years.
HITC also understands that one deal Nice are looking at is the possibility of bringing Anthony Martial back to France. They are considering offering him the chance of a move back to Ligue 1 – but 28-year-old does have a host of options emerging.
Martial has endured an injury plagued campaign at United, which will be his last at the club with, and he is holding talks with a number of different clubs from across the world.
There is interest from the Saudi Pro League – who could offer Martial a substantial pay day – but HITC is told he is considering his options and that could see him stay in Europe, whether that be in France or somewhere like Italy or Spain.
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