Manchester United prepare official bid for top defender: report

Manchester United will reportedly look to bolster their defense by adding Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.Erik ten Hag's side have been conceding goals at an alarming rate this season and have been hampered by injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire.Defense is understandably likely to be a priority for the Red Devils when the transfer window reopens.Manchester United have conceded goals this season (Image credit: Getty Images)Todibo has been identified as a cheaper alternative to Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to a report from GIVEMESPORT.United will reportedly make a "formal bid" for the 24-year-old this summer, although Branthwaite is said to remain their first-choice option.Todibo has made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Nice this term, helping his side to the best defensive record in the division with just 25 goals conceded and 16 clean sheets.Sir Jim Ratcliffe knows Jean-Clair Todibo, given his role as co-owner of Nice (Image credit: Getty Images)A precedent report from talkSPORT suggested the Frenchman could be available for a "cut price" of £40m.The best features, fun and football quizzes straight to your inbox every week.United's new co-owner, INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is also a co-owner at Nice, so could have direct influence in any transfer negotiations. Todibo, who was previously at Barcelona and won two caps for France, has three years left on his contract at Nice.The defender has also been linked with Chelsea, although United appear to be favorites to secure his signature as things stand.Chelsea are also said to be in for Todibo (Image credit: Getty Images)Ratcliffe are reportedly keen to bring in at least two new defenders after seeing a centre-back pairing of Casemiro and Jonny Evans dismantled by Crystal Palace's forwards in a 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park last time out.In the Four Four Two In his view, a move for Todibo certainly makes sense given United's defensive woes throughout the 2023-24 season. Improving things at the back will likely require systemic changes and more new signings, but the addition of the Nice star would be a significant step in the right direction.More Manchester United storiesManchester United are in talks with a new manager amid speculation over Erik ten Hag's future. The Red Devils were given a price for Inter full-back Denzel Dumfrieswhile striker target Viktor Gyokeres has spoken about his future after winning the Portuguese league with Sporting. window.reliableConsentGiven.then(function(){ !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function() {n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)} ;if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '230404523817416'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); })

Vaseline

Related Articles

Is Bristol Myers’ dividend in jeopardy?

Trump Media faces $4 billion drop as shareholders brace for lockup deal to expire

Charity Wetsuit Recycling Scheme | Cornwall Business

Enphase: Keep Calm and Keep Charging (NASDAQ:ENPH)