Man Utd ‘closing in’ on £34m transfer arrival

Manchester United are close to securing a deal for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to reports.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre-back, with Erik ten Hag hoping to sell Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire before next week’s transfer deadline. The latter had been close to a move to West Ham United, but that deal fell through last week, with Ten Hag saying he is ‘happy’ for the ex-Leicester City man to remain at Old Trafford.

Despite that, reports in France claim United are ‘closing in’ on the transfer of Todibo, with a deal for the 23-year-old ‘in sight.’ L'Equipe claim it will cost the Red Devils around €40m (£34m) to sign the ex-Barcelona man, who has already played in France, Spain and Germany.

Todibo was left out of Nice’s squad for the weekend trip to Lorient, and impressed last season at the Ligue 1 club, playing 46 times in all competitions.

United have been interested in centre-back for a number of weeks, although it looks unlikely the 13-time Premier League champions have the funds to invest in that area unless there are significant departures. United were keen on a move for Benjamin Pavard, but Bayern Munich’s asking price for the experienced defender was deemed too high.

Jonny Evans is another interesting caveat in United’s search for defensive reinforcements. The Northern Irishman signed a short-term contract earlier this summer, which expires at the end of August. Ten Hag revealed last week that talks are ongoing over a longer deal, with the United boss claiming would like the 35-year-old to remain this season.