Manchester United’s decision not to exercise the option to extend Raphael Varane’s contract suggests the club is considering defensive changes.
Jean-Clair Todibo, a French defender who is still under contract with Nice, has been connected with the club since last summer.
Manchester United is still interested in the former Barcelona defender, who is having a terrific season.
Chelsea is also interested, and Tottenham, despite their moves for Genoa center-back Radu Dragusin, is also interested.
United are apparently open to a January deal, albeit there is nothing conclusively indicating a proposal, or even conversations, for a player worth approximately £40 million.
Because they are in power at Nice, Manchester United’s new investors Ineos would essentially be negotiating with themselves.
While this gives United an advantage over Chelsea and Tottenham, any move between the clubs would be scrutinized to ensure it represented fair market value, and Nice fans would be dubious.
Ineos must be careful not to disturb their greatest season since taking over at Nice, when Todibo is part of a club on route for Champions League status and the financial perks that come with it.
Nice supporters are also concerned that their team will become a feeder club for Manchester United.
Todibo to United is a ‘natural and cohesive’ solution for Ineos, according to Footmercato, but only next summer.
Todibo is loving his football at Nice, despite Fabrizio Romano’s claims that the defender would like to move to Old Trafford.
What must occur in order for Ineos to act now?
What Ineos needs to do this January is sign a really strong center-back for Nice who can replace Todibo immediately.
This would ease the sting of losing the defender, allowing them to continue their good season and freeing up Todibo to move on.
From a United standpoint, there should be an incentive to complete a deal immediately so that Todibo is not persuaded to stay and play Champions League football next summer, with just Europa League or worse on offer at Old Trafford.