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Report: Manchester United target Jean-Claire Todibo as potential Harry Maguire replacement

By Abdullah Mamaniyat

Nice's French defender Jean-Clair Todibo (C) embraces Nice's French midfielder Khephren Thuram (L) after the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and FC Rennes at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on May 6, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice's French defender Jean-Clair Todibo (C) embraces Nice's French midfielder Khephren Thuram (L) after the French L1 football match between OGC Nice and FC Rennes at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, south-eastern France, on May 6, 2023. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Manchester United will reportedly target OGC Nice defender Jean-Claire Todibo as a Harry Maguire replacement, according to RMC Sport.

The French media outlet states that Jean-Claire Todibo’s entourage have had constructive talks with United. This would suggest that now that a deal has been struck between West Ham United and Manchester United for the sale of Harry Maguire, this could set the ball rolling for Erik Ten Hag’s side to swoop in for the Frenchman as a replacement.

OGC Nice are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – the British billionaire interested in buying Manchester United. The French side have not qualified for Europe this season after finishing 9th in Ligue 1 in 2022/23, which opens the door for the likes of Todibo to attract interest from United and Italian giants Juventus, who are also keen on the player.

Todibo would likely sit behind Raphael Varane in the pecking order at right centre back, but above Victor Lindelof. However, with Varane’s fitness being carefully managed like it was last season, the 23 year old would get plenty of playing time and pave the way for him to regularly start for the Red Devils as Varane would be 31 by next year.

Another possible replacement for Maguire is former United player Jonny Evans. The club are yet to decide whether or not to offer a permanent contract to a player very familiar to the club. Evans, who is a free agent after leaving Leicester City, featured for United on their pre season tour in America after signing a short term contract.

A centre back coming in would signal a fourth arrival at Old Trafford this summer, after Mason Mount, André Onana and Rasmus Højlund.