Man Utd take crucial step towards signing Maguire replacement as Fabrizio Romano reveals who scout is now watching
Manchester United have deployed a scout to watch Jean-Clair Todibo in action for OGC Nice on Friday night, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Todibo is one of the main centre-backs Man Utd have been linked with in case Maguire leaves this summer. And after accepting a bid from West Ham for their former captain, Man Utd have been stepping up their search for a new defender.
Romano reported earlier on Friday that Man Utd want to start talks for their next defensive signing before giving the final green light for Maguire to move to West Ham.
And the trusted transfer expert has now provided the update that a Man Utd scout is in attendance at Nice’s match against Lille tonight with the intention of watching Todibo.
It gives him a chance to impress his prospective buyers, who have been tipped to reinvest the £30m they will receive by selling Maguire into a deal for the former Barcelona man.
That said, Man Utd’s shortlist does contain other names who they could add to their defence. But Todibo is a name that keeps lingering in the transfer rumours.
Still only 23 years old, the Frenchman could get his first experience of Premier League football if he joins Man Utd. He has also previously played for the likes of Toulouse, Schalke and Benfica.
Todibo might be nearing end of Nice spell
Nice have him under contract until 2027 and their manager confirmed on Wednesday that he has been appointed as one of their vice-captains for the new season.
Francesco Farioli has gone on to select Todibo as a starter against Lille, partnering Dante at centre-back. It is his 104th appearance for Nice, but if Man Utd firm up their interest further, it remains to be seen how many more he will have left.
Todibo could not only take Maguire’s place in the Man Utd squad, but eventually become the long-term successor to his fellow Frenchman, Raphael Varane.
Since Erik ten Hag has been in charge of Man Utd, their preferred pairing in the centre of defence has been Varane and Lisandro Martinez, but the former is now 30 years old and has encountered some physical issues.
