With Varane's Potential Exit, Manchester United Sets Sights on £34 Million Defender

According to reports, Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice defender, is edging closer to a £34 million transfer to Manchester United. Erik ten Hag's team has been actively seeking a new center-back this summer, despite the uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire's future with the club. A deal had been in place for Maguire to move to West Ham for £30 million. However, the deal fell through as Maguire allegedly demanded around £7 million as part of the deal.

 As reported by Mail Sport, United has maintained contact with Todibo, possibly as a contingency in case the former Leicester defender departs before the upcoming week's deadline. Nevertheless, L'Equipe indicates that Todibo's transition to The Red Devils is already underway. Todibo, who struggled initially with Barcelona, Schalke, and Benfica, has since found his comeback in France with Nice; He earned his first international call-up in March.

Although his contract with the Ligue1 is set to expire in 2027, the opportunity to join the Premier League might prove too good to decline. In fact, Todibo has previously mentioned United's Raphael Varane as one of his inspirations when discussing his future aspirations. 

Todibo's potential transfer to Old Trafford would significantly fortify United's defense and could raise the club's summer spending to over £200 million, exceeding the £120 million limit initially thought to be in place for Ten Hag at the beginning of the transfer window.

In addition to strengthening the defensive line, Ten Hag is also reportedly eager on acquiring another central midfielder before the September 1 deadline. This emerges from United's challenges in that area during their first two matches of the season.

What Are Todibo's Role models and Aspirations Like?

Last season, when discussing his future aspirations, the vice-captain of Nice mentioned United's defender Raphael Varane as one of his sources of inspiration.

“For the coach to have a clear idea of my personality, I have to be as natural as possible,” Todibo said.

“My journey, I've known it for a while and I've lived it, with good periods and a little less good. I only think about performing and bringing as much as possible to the group.”

“I am inspired by Thiago Silva and Van Dijk, they are the ones I watch the most. I was also inspired by Varane.”

“I am under contract with Nice until 2027. I don't know if the right choice would be to go elsewhere. This is not the time to think about it. I am much more serene at this level with the experiences, if I have to make a choice I will do it with a lot of thought.”