It sounds like Harry Maguire could be on his way out of Manchester United, but OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has been touted as a potential option to replace the England international.
Nice have made it clear that they would like to keep their highly-rated defender to stay, but their newly appointed manager Francesco Farioli accepts he could leave this summer.
“I also have two vice-captains Khephren Thuram and Jean-Clair Todibo who are among the best players in the team,” Farioli told France Bleu.
“We would like both players to stay until the end of the season. But the reality of the transfer window escapes me. We’ll see what happens. As long as they’re here, I’m enjoying having them.”
Farioli was joined by Nice captain at his press conference. The Brazilian defender added: “Of course we would like Todibo to stay. But it can be complicated. We have to wait to see who will want to buy him and if everyone finds himself there. He is a leader, a very strong player mentally, he has improved a lot and he is ready to reach the very top level.”
At just 23-years-old, Todibo has established himself as one of France’s finest defensive prospects, so it makes sense for United to scan the market to find an improvement on Maguire. Other potential replacements include Edmond Tapsoba and Benjamin Pavard.
Maguire fell to fourth or fifth place in the pecking order for centre-backs under Erik ten Hag last season. On Wednesday, West Ham submitted a new bid this week and United accepted the offer in principal.
The next step for the Hammers will be to reach an agreement with the player over personal terms. Some reports suggest that won’t be a problem.
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