Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United have sent a scout to watch Nice’s defender Jean-Clair Todibo during Friday’s Ligue 1 match against Lille.
Despite already securing notable signings such as Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils remain committed to bolstering their squad further.
Manager Erik ten Hag is particularly interested in reinforcing both the defence and central midfield positions.
As Harry Maguire’s potential transfer to West Ham United gains traction, United have begun their quest for a new central defender.
Manchester United scout, in attendance to follow again Jean-Clair Todibo during OGC Nice game vs Lille tonight. 🔴🔍 pic.twitter.com/UcHo0LFay8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
Among the candidates, Todibo has caught their attention and is being considered as a viable replacement for Maguire within the Man United squad.
Although Nice’s manager, Francesco Farioli, expressed a desire to retain the 23-year-old, he couldn’t guarantee Todibo’s future during a press conference before Nice’s season opener against Lille, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils sent a scout to closely observe Todibo’s performance throughout the entirety of the Friday match.
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Unfortunately, the centre-back and his teammates couldn’t prevent Lille’s Bafode Diakhite from equalizing in injury time after Gaetan Laborde had scored in the first half.
Todibo initially arrived at Nice on loan from Barcelona in February 2021 and later made the move permanent during the subsequent summer.
Throughout his two-year tenure with the club, the central defender has participated in a total of 104 competitive matches and has contributed two goals.
While Todibo is being considered, it remains uncertain whether a potential deal hinges on United’s pursuit of Bayern Munich’s defender Benjamin Pavard.
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Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are in a favourable position to secure the signing of the French international, who has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern.
The German champions are willing to permit the transfer if United meets their asking price of €30 million (£25.97 million) for the 27-year-old.
Erik ten Hag’s team is set to commence their Premier League campaign on Monday as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
