Man Utd suffer transfer blow as hands-off warning issued for top target

Suraj Radia

• 23 Jan 2024 04:52 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been dealt a significant blow in the pursuit of one of their top transfer targets, with a hands-off warning issued by Nice for star defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Todibo has been a long-term target for United, having failed to generate the funds to sign him last summer as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire.

The 24-year-old is still admired at Old Trafford and United had been hoping to renew attempts to bring him to the club either this month or in the summer, however Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has insisted that the plan is to keep hold of Todibo and fellow star asset Khephren Thuram.

"As we’ve said since the offset, we are working on stability, and stability is keeping your best players," Ghisolfi said, as quoted by 90min.

"Jean-Clair and Thuram are definitely that, as players and as leaders as they are vice-captains. We absolutely want to keep them."

Todibo established himself as one of the top young defenders in Europe last season and the French international has continued his fine form this year, with Nice conceding a league-lowest of 11 goals in 18 games.

Todibo eyed as part of new-look United defence

United are expected to restructure their defence in the summer, with offers for Maguire likely to be encouraged once again, while Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane also face uncertain futures.

A move for Todibo could be made easier by the fact that Nice are owned by INEOS, the company headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe who also became investors in United last month, subject to Premier League approval.

The likes of Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva and Edmond Tapsoba are also well-liked by United, with competition for Todibo expected to be high due to interest from the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Newcastle.

Thuram, meanwhile, has also continued to impress this season, having previously been linked with Liverpool and Newcastle last summer and the 22-year-old will also have his suitors in the summer, particularly with a January move seemingly off the table.