Tottenham make first move for long-time Man Utd target

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Dec 2023 10:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Tottenham have opened talks with Jean-Clair Todibo, according to a report.

The OGC Nice defender is one of Europe's most wanted, having enjoyed a quick rise to prominence since leaving Barcelona. The 23-year-old has become one of Ligue 1's best central defenders, marshalling a backline that has only conceded nine goals all season.

Already in the summer, Man Utd were interested in acquiring the French international's services, but Harry Maguire's failed move to West Ham left the Red Devils with insufficient resources to pursue a deal for a centre-back.

Their interest in Todibo has not cooled, however. On the contrary, the heart of his defence has given Erik ten Hag continuous headaches, albeit for mostly positive reasons. Maguire and Victor Lindelof have looked much improved this term, which has seen Raphael Varane's game time diminish, but it is clear that the Red Devils are still looking for a central defender, especially in case Varane departs.

However, according to Football.London, it is actually Tottenham who have made the first move to sign Todibo.

Tottenham open talks

The outlet asserts that Spurs "have held talks over a potential move" for the Frenchman because of the lack of depth at Ange Postecoglou's disposal. Indeed, the Australian has already publicly admitted that the north London club will need to dip into the market in January.

"When you think about it, we let Davinson Sanchez go after the window closed," Postecoglou told Sky Sports. "We kind of knew we were taking a bit of a risk; we couldn't get the extra centre-back that we were trying to get in, and for the early part of the year that was fine."

"But once we lost Micky [van de Ven], and Eric Dier's had some issues as well, we don't have another centre-back...But again, we've got to get the right person. It's not just about bringing another body in, it's about getting the right one in and hopefully that'll happen."

"I wrote my letter to Santa so like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get mate, we'll see mate, we'll see," Postecoglou also told the media last Thursday. Landing Todibo would be something of a coup for Spurs, though it appears unlikely that he will move in January.