Manchester United close in on £34.1m deal for Jean-Clair Todibo

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in a deal worth £34.1m, according to reports in France.

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his defence this summer, despite the club’s failure to offload Harry Maguire. United accepted a £30million bid from West Ham earlier this month, only for Maguire to reject a move to the London Stadium.

Maguire was stripped of the club captaincy in July and he was not in the squad that travelled to London for the 2-0 defeat to Spurs on Saturday.

Benjamin Pavard to Inter Milan

United had targeted Benjamin Pavard when it appeared that Maguire would join the Hammers, but the Frenchman is now set to join Inter Milan following the collapse of that deal.

That’s forced the Red Devils to look elsewhere and Todibo is now said to be close to completing a move to Old Trafford, according to L’Equipe.

Todibo’s Impressive Spell at Nice

The former Barcelona ace, 23, is already vice-captain of Nice following an impressive spell in the south of France. His mix of physicality, speed and ball-playing ability has attracted Ten Hag. It’s claimed a deal of £34.1m is in the offing, taking United’s summer spending to £200m.

United’s Summer Spending

United have already signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m, while they have also brought in Alex Telles from Porto for £15.4m and Amad Diallo from Atalanta for £37m.

The club are also in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal for Jadon Sancho, although a resolution is yet to be found.

Conclusion

It looks like Manchester United are set to add Jean-Clair Todibo to their defensive ranks this summer. The 23-year-old has impressed during his time at Nice and is said to be close to joining the Red Devils in a deal worth £34.1m. This would take United’s summer spending to £200m and could be the first of many signings before the transfer window closes.