Tottenham Hotspur had poked their noses in front of the race for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, but a transfer now looks highly unlikely to materialise.
Ange Postecoglou is currently navigating the absences of first-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, forcing the board to acquire reinforcements now that the window is open.
Spurs had kickstarted their pursuit of Manchester United-linked Todibo, however, Fabrizio Romano now claims that the deal has ‘almost collapsed’ due to their quick proceedings in negotiations with Genoa’s Radu Dragusin.
🚨⚪️ Understand negotiations are underway between Tottenham and Genoa for Radu Dragusin after the agreement on personal terms with Romanian CB.
Spurs confident to advance as contacts continue on daily basis.
No changes on Jean-Clair Todibo deal, almost collapsed. pic.twitter.com/IZvflzZp5M
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2024
As such, the Lilywhites’ withdrawal of their interest paves the way for United to act on their own. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all sidelined at Old Trafford, leaving Erik ten Hag reliant on a partnership of Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane, with even youngster Willy Kambwala stepping in for coverage when needed.
Martinez is expected back in the fold in the coming weeks and supporters will be hoping it’s the end of his metatarsal injury once and for all, as reports have confirmed that he was playing in pain upon his first return from the initial setback at the beginning of the season.
Chelsea enter Todibo race
It remains to be seen if United will fork out the funds for Todibo, who is believed to be valued at around £35 million by Nice. Chelsea have added the Frenchman to their shortlist – as per the Daily Mail – and there’s no doubt that if the Reds opt against a winter approach, Todd Boehly is more than comfortable splashing the cash to bolster the Stamford Bridge outfit.
