Manchester United 'learn asking price for Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo'

Nice have reportedly informed Manchester United that the asking price for Jean-Clair Todibo is £52m.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils believed to have identified him as a replacement for Harry Maguire.

There was ultimately no exit for Maguire, though, and the England international regained his spot in Erik ten Hag's first XI before picking up a groin problem a month ago.

Maguire is now likely to remain at Old Trafford, but Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract this summer, and there is expected to be a centre-back addition ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Talk of the 20-time English champions retaining an interest in Todibo has cooled in recent weeks, with Benfica's Antonio Silva thought to be the club's leading target at the back.

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However, according to CaughtOffside, Man United are still keen on the Frenchman, with the Red Devils said to have been in contact with Nice to register their interest.

The report claims that the French outfit have made it clear that the centre-back will not be allowed to leave in 2024 for anything less than £52m.

Tottenham Hotspur had been credited with an interest, but the North London club have brought in Radu Dragusin from Genoa this month.

Chelsea are still believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments, with the Blues also looking to bring in a new centre-back this summer to replace veteran Thiago Silva.

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Todibo started his professional career at Toulouse before moving to Barcelona in 2019, but he struggled to make his mark at Camp Nou, featuring on just five occasions.

The Frenchman had loan spells at Schalke 04 and Benfica while contracted to Barcelona, and he then moved on loan to Nice for the 2020-21 campaign before completing a permanent move to the club.

Todibo has featured on 117 occasions for Les Aiglons, scoring twice and registering one assist in the process.

Any transfer between Man United and Nice is complicated by the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS company now has an interest in both.

Todibo has been in strong form for his French club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 14 appearances in Ligue 1, with Francesco Farioli's side currently second in the table.