Ligue 1 defender remains a target for Manchester United

Manchester United suffered yet another defeat on Saturday as they lost 1-0 against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. 

The Red Devils have endured a tough season so far, but have masked several of their poor performances with narrow victories over the likes of Brentford, Fulham, and Luton Town.

Erik ten Hag’s side were unable to repeat the feat on Tyneside, though, with Anthony Gordon’s second half strike enough to earn the hosts an important victory.

The result leaves United seventh in the Premier League table, with Newcastle having leapfrogged them after their win on Saturday.

Defence has been a particular area of concern for Ten Hag this term, and it appears that those in charge of the club’s recruitment are therefore plotting to sign a new defender when the transfer window reopens in January.

According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Manchester outfit remain interested in Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

Todibo is a target for Manchester United ahead of the January window

United are believed to have been interested in the 23-year-old for some time now, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed investment in the club could help them to complete a move as the billionaire currently owns the French club.

Todibo joined Nice from Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer of 2021, having spent the previous six months on loan at the club.

He has now made a total of 115 appearances for Nice across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the best central defenders in the French top flight.

Plettenberg also claims that United’s interest in signing Todibo during the January transfer window won’t impact their proposed pursuit of Benfica defender Antonio Silva next summer.

Todibo’s current contract with Nice is set to run until 2027, but United could attempt to lure him to Manchester when the window reopens next month.