Man Utd go on scouting mission to watch Liverpool target who could be the answer Ten Hag is looking for
Manchester United are in the market for a new defender this summer and recent reports have suggested they now have a Liverpool target in mind.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed a solid partnership at the back for Man Utd, but Erik ten Hag is keen to add to his options.
Indeed, Man Utd have kept 15 clean sheets in the league so far. Ten Hag has built the base of a solid defence, but they now want to reach new heights.
With the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof seeming surplus to requirements in the long run, Man Utd are now seeking their replacements.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Man Utd have recently sent scouts to watch OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old has started in 30 league matches this season and has been key to a Nice defence which has only conceded 32 goals all season.
Todibo is highly rated in Ligue 1 and has already garnered plenty of interest. His current deal with the French side runs until 2027.
The French defender has gone from strength to strength since leaving Barcelona in 2021. His signed his latest contract extension with Nice in November last year and so is seemingly in no rush to leave.
His underlying number have been impressive as he win an average of 2.3 tackles and makes 3.2 clearances per game. He averages 63 passes per game with an accuracy of 89.1%.
Under Ten Hag is it vital that his defenders are capable of building up the play from the back. This position will be a key area to strengthen in the summer and Todibo would be a useful addition.
Liverpool and Newcastle are interested
Along with Man Utd, plenty of other clubs have also been impressed by Todibo of late. Premier League rivals such as Liverpool and Newcastle have also been mentioned as interested.
Fabrizio Romano clarified the latest situation with the player Tweeting: “Understand Newcastle, Manchester Utd and Liverpool scouts were in attendance at Nice-Rennes game to monitor Jean Clair Todibo.
“French centre back could get top club move in the summer — with price tag understood to be around €45m.”
Given he is under contract with Nice until 2027, a fee of around £40million could be great value. Liverpool and Newcastle are also in the market for a defender or two.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded 42 goals this season, which is far more than they have shipped in previous years.
Despite Liverpool only giving the opposition an average of 9.9 shots per game, they do tend to give up big chances more often.
Both Man Utd and Liverpool are in a battle for the top four. Whoever has Champions League football next season could have the upper hand in a deal for Todibo.
Newcastle are also set to have European football next season, which will be a huge boost to their transfer policy. As things stand, Todibo certainly won’t be short of offers this summer.
