Manchester United-linked Jean-Clair Todibo "very happy" to stay at Nice

Jean-Clair Todibo has insisted that he is "very happy to have stayed" at Nice beyond the end of this summer's transfer window despite being linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United.

The Frenchman is believed to have been a leading target for the Red Devils over the summer, and a report late in the market claimed that the two clubs were in advanced discussions over a €40m (£34m) deal.

However, a move for Todibo became almost impossible when Harry Maguire stayed at Old Trafford.

Man United did bring in another centre-back on transfer deadline day, with Jonny Evans signing a one-year contract following a successful summer with the club.

Todibo has said that he had "opportunities elsewhere" over the summer, but he was more than happy to stay with Nice, where he has a contract until the summer of 2027.

© Reuters

"I'm very happy to have stayed honestly. Staying in Nice was one of the options, and I'm very happy here," he told Maxifoot.

"The club has brought me a lot. I had opportunities elsewhere, I listened to them like any human being would have done, it was very good opportunities. But staying in Nice suits me, wonderfully, it's great for me, I feel good here."

Todibo came through the youth system at Toulouse before progressing to the first team, and he made 10 appearances for the club ahead of a switch to Barcelona in the summer of 2019.

The Frenchman found it difficult to show his best form at Camp Nou, though, and he was restricted to just five appearances before completing a permanent move to Nice in 2021.

© Reuters

The centre-back has made 106 appearances for his current side in all competitions, including three outings during the 2023-24 campaign.

Todibo has been selected in the latest France squad, although he was an unused substitute during his national team's 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland in Thursday's Euro 2024 qualifier.

Man United accepted an offer from West Ham United for Maguire over the summer, but the England international turned down the chance to move to the London Stadium.

Maguire made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in Man United's 3-1 loss at Arsenal last Sunday, finishing the match in the middle of the defence alongside Evans, as both Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were forced off, while Raphael Varane is currently on the sidelines with a muscular issue.