Tottenham make Jean-Clair Todibo top transfer target as Manchester United face Sir Jim Ratcliffe dilemma
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is emerging as Tottenham's top January transfer window target, talkSPORT understands.
Spurs have held tentative early talks with Nice after manager Ange Postecoglou said signing a specialised centre-back was his main priority.
2
Todibo rejected interest from Manchester United in the summer after claiming he was saving himself for the right project.
Man United remain keen but are unlikely to spend big in the upcoming transfer window.
They also face the issue of prospective minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe owning Nice.
Ineos chief Ratcliffe is set to complete the purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils for £1.25billion imminently.
READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
It could be seen as a bad look for Ratcliffe to raid Nice so quickly after arriving at Old Trafford.
23-year-old Todibo has helped his side climb to second in Ligue Un this season, just five points behind Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho makes Tottenham 'empty trophy cabinet' dig when asked about missing out on the chance to manage Spurs in the 2020 Carabao Cup final
The France international has made 14 appearances so far this season, starting each of them and providing one assist in that time.
He's also got two caps for his country, making his senior debut in September against Germany before facing Gibraltar in November.
Most read in Football
2
Todibo was previously on Barcelona's books after joining them on a from Toulouse in 2019.
He made five senior appearances and had loan spells with Schalke, Benfica and Nice before signing for the French club permanently in 2021.
In September, he opened up about not moving to Man United in the summer, explaining why his preference was to stay with Nice.
"It’s very clear [Nice] would not have sold me this summer," he told .
“I have given it in-depth thought and I remained calm," he continued. "I didn’t want to make the wrong choice.
“I expect to be presented with the full picture. What are you expecting from me? Why am I signing? You shouldn’t arrive at a club asking yourself this. I know what I have in Nice, so why leave? Everything must be clear.”
Tottenham would benefit from bringing in the talented Frenchman, given star defender Micky van de Ven is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips are his remaining three centre-backs.
Topics