Manchester United 'delay Jean-Clair Todibo pursuit until next summer'

Manchester United have reportedly decided against making a move for Jean-Clair Todibo in January and will instead target the Nice defender during next summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils were linked with Todibo during the recent market, but it is understood that a deal would only have been possible had Harry Maguire moved on.

Maguire ultimately remained at Old Trafford, and there is an argument that the England international is currently the first pick in the middle of the defence, as Lisandro Martinez is out injured, while Raphael Varane is being overlooked for starts at this moment in time.

Jonny Evans and Maguire both started against Copenhagen on Wednesday in the Champions League, but the former picked up an injury early on, which led to Varane being introduced.

The ex-France international struggled during his side's 4-3 loss, though, and there have been claims that he wants to leave Man United to make a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

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The Red Devils are said to have identified Todibo as their leading target to replace Varane, and there were suggestions that a deal could be possible in January.

According to TEAMtalk, Erik ten Hag's side have now decided to wait until next summer to make a move for the Nice defender due to the difficulties surrounding signing players in January.

The report claims that Nice are open to selling the 23-year-old next year, with the club's valuation of him believed to be in the region of £43.5m.

Man United are thought to have tracked Todibo 'for some time' and believe that he would be the ideal player to replace Varane at the club.

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Todibo started his professional career at Toulouse before moving to Barcelona in 2019, but he only made five appearances for the Catalan side during a difficult period.

The Frenchman turned out for Nice on loan during the 2020-21 campaign before making a permanent move to the club, and he has now represented the French side on 113 occasions in all competitions.

Todibo has another four years left to run on his current deal, but it is widely thought that he will depart next year, with a number of other clubs, including Chelsea, thought to be interested.

However, the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is preparing to complete a deal to purchase 25% of Man United, owns Nice with his INEOS Group has placed the Red Devils in a strong position.

As well as Varane, there are question marks over the futures of fellow centre-backs Evans and Victor Lindelof, as both players only have deals at Old Trafford until next summer.