Man Utd transfer blow as OGC Nice chief outlines stance on £86m duo

OGC Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi insists the French side are desperate to keep hold of Jean-Clair Todibo and Khephren Thuram - who have both been linked with moves to Manchester United.

The French duo are continuing to catch the eye of Europe's top clubs in what looks set to be another strong campaign at Nice. Todibo and Thuram have been regular starters at centre-back and in defensive midfield respectively, with Francesco Farioli's side comfortably the best defence in the league, having conceded just 11 goals in 18 games.

That form has put Nice into second-place in Ligue 1 and on course for a Champions League place, which is why they are so keen to keep hold of their top players, at least until the summer.

"As we’ve said since the offset, we are working on stability, and stability is keeping your best players," Ghisolfi told Get Football News France. "Jean-Clair and Thuram are definitely that, as players and as leaders as they are vice-captains. "We absolutely want to keep them. I hope they will quickly come back from suspension and injury and quickly bring their freshness, leadership and enthusiasm.”

United are keen to strengthen in defence and central midfield, although any major investment will likely come in the summer once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival is fully ratified. The INEOS chief currently owns Nice, which could present an interesting situation if Erik ten Hag does move for the French pair.

Todibo has been a long-term target of United's but has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Recent reports have suggested that it could cost potential suitors up to £51million to sign the 24-year-old.

Thuram also has interest from other Premier League clubs, namely Liverpool. The 22-year-old was valued at around £34m last summer but that will likely rise between now and June, particularly if he helps Nice to Champions League qualification.