Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing French defender Jean-Clair Todibo, valued at €20 million by OGC Nice.

According to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato, Manchester United have reportedly joined Newcastle United in the pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo, valued at €20 million by OGC Nice, with the French defender viewed as an alternative for Lisandro Martinez.

Todibo has been on the books at OGC Nice since initially joining them on loan from Barcelona in the January 2021. And he has been a regular for Les Aiglons, featuring in 36 of 38 Ligue 1 games last term, with his side finishing fifth in the Ligue 1 standings.

As a result, they will compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season, but the 22-year-old defender is hailed for his displays as he enjoyed a top campaign at the Allianz Riviera. But Todibo has the ability to excel at a much bigger club and in a better league. So he could be on the move this summer, according to Foot Mercato, with Newcastle United and Manchester United both interested.

Nice are bracing themselves for offers after Manchester United and Newcastle United expressed their interest in the French defender. Todibo’s profile is thought to appeal to both the Premier League clubs.

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Sevilla and Napoli, on the other hand, have made concrete moves for the Frenchman, approaching Nice about signing him, although they have been knocked back by the French outfit, who insisted Todibo is not for sale. But the Ligue 1 club’s hands could be tied if a financially healthier club comes calling for the 22-year-old.

Todibo has a long-term contract with Nice, who paid around €8.5 million to sign Todibo from Barcelona last summer. But he is now worth over €20 million, more than double their initial investment. If Nice decide to sell, Barcelona will receive a portion of the transfer fee owing to a sell-on clause.

While Manchester United have yet to add to their central defensive options, Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia has joined the club. And Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez could be on his way in the coming days. However, Arsenal are still in the running and are working on a deal of their own.

But ten Hag is also pushing Manchester United to capture his desired target, which could lead to a feisty transfer battle between the two Premier League rivals, making Todibo a viable alternative in case Martinez opts to move to Arsenal instead.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have already completed the signing of Sven Botman who will be an important part of Eddie Howe’s plans moving forward. With Jamaal Lascelles’s future uncertain amid interest from Fulham, they will require an athletic defender with an excellent recovery pace to partner Botman, with Todibo the perfect fit and also available at a reasonable price of €20 million.

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