Manchester United face a big summer transfer window and at least one centre back simply has to be a priority signing for Ineos.
The end of the season is now in sight and United fans probably can’t wait for the campaign to finish.
There were high hopes heading into this season having seen Erik ten Hag guide United to a third-place finish last term.
Injuries have been a huge factor but the simple fact of the matter is that United haven’t lived up to expectations.
The hope is that Ineos will now take United forward following their arrival at Old Trafford.
The transfer window will soon be upon us and United certainly need improvements in order to kick on again next season.
Jean-Clair Todibo ‘keen’ on Manchester United move
Centre backs simply have to be a priority.
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are both out of contract this summer whilst Victor Lindelof’s future is unclear.
Add in Lisandro Martinez’s injury woes and United need at least one centre back, possibly two – or even more depending on exits.
A host of names have already been mentioned but one of the most prominent is Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Frenchman plays for Nice – another club controlled by Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
That may help United strike a deal but The Sun now claim that there is ‘confusion’ over a potential move.
It’s suggested that Todibo is valued at around £35million but United are yet to decide how much to pay.
Perhaps Ratcliffe needs to balance United’s budget against the fortunes of Nice and that is holding up a possible move.
Reporter Alan Nixon adds that Todibo is ‘keen’ to make the move but is ultimately left waiting to see whether a deal can be thrashed out.
Who is United target Todibo?
Todibo was a wonderkid with Toulouse, emerging as a first-team star in the 2018-19 season.
Barcelona pounced but it all seemed to come too soon for Todibo, who made just four league appearances for the Catalan giants.
Todibo didn’t exactly shine on loan at Schalke or Benfica either and only really kicked on again once he joined Nice in 2020.
That loan became permanent and Todibo has now racked up more than 100 appearances for the club whilst earning his first two caps for France.
A tall and rangy centre back with impressive speed, Todibo has now matured at 24 and seems ready to make a big move again.
Hailed as a ‘leader’ by Nice teammate Dante, Todibo could be the ideal partner for Lisandro Martinez and £35million in the modern market isn’t too large of an outlay for a quality centre back with some untapped potential.
Todibo is just one name on the United radar though and others will be in the mix with centre backs a desperate need at Old Trafford.