Ratcliffe HAS BLOCKED signing top target due to links with French club

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made bringing in a new centre-back to Manchester United a priority this summer, but looks set to miss out on a top target.

The INEOS boss is looking to land a solid replacement for Raphael Varane and, with Victor Lindelof set to leave, he may have to sign more than one new defender.

As we have consistently reported, the Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is Man Utd’s top target, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is also admired by senior figures at Old Trafford.

Man Utd tabled a bid of £35m plus add-ons for Branthwaite which was instantly rejected and deemed ‘disrespectful’ by Toffees bosses.

But another name that has been linked with the Red Devils for several months is the Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo.

The former Barcelona man is highly regarded in Ligue 1 and reports suggest he is ready for a new challenge elsewhere.

Man Utd have been one of the favorites to sign Todibo for several months and Ratcliffe are considering a move for him.

However, according to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, they will not sign the 24-year-old due to UEFA rules.

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Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd deal ‘off’

As Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has a controlling stake in both Nice and Man Utd, UEFA rules do not allow deals between clubs playing in the same European competition next season, with both teams qualifying for the Europa League.

“Jean-Clair Todibo deal for Man United is currently on hold and highly unlikely due to UEFA rules”, Romano posted on X.

“Discussions have been advanced with all interested parties for months, but Nice and Man Utd, under the same ownership, playing in the same European competition next season is not a green light.”

Ratcliffe’s centre-back shortlist has now shortened and an improved offer for Branthwaite could be just around the corner.

Reports suggest that Everton will stand firm on their £70m valuation of the 21-year-old and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are willing to match that fee.

TEAMtalk sources say Crystal Palace have the exact same rating on Guehi and Man Utd are considering offering Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a trade partly to reduce his price.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner regards Guehi as a key player and is unlikely to entertain anything less than his full rating.

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