A new defender looks to be on the cards for Newcastle United this summer.
Whether or not FFP constraints allow Newcastle to spend significantly there remains to be seen of course but a number of names have been linked.
Indeed, the likes of Harry Maguire and Joachim Andersen have been touted as targets, with Eddie Howe seemingly keen on bolstering his options at the back.
Then there’s Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old was linked with a move to St James’ Park by French outlet Nice-Matin last week, with the club reportedly having made contact over a potential deal.
Signing him, however, will not be easy.
Manchester United now consider move for Newcastle target Jean-Clair Todibo
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are ready to move.
The report claims uncertainty over Maguire’s future at Old Trafford has driven the Manchester club’s interest.
Erik ten Hag is believed to have held a long-term interest in the former Barcelona defender, who has had trials with the Old Trafford giants before.
The Mail also add that Todibo is seen as one of the most promising young defenders on the continent, hence the interest from around the Premier League and beyond.
Todibo fits the PIF mould
The defender hit headlines in September 2022 for being sent off only nine seconds into a game between Nice and Angers, making it one of the quickest red cards in history.
Still, there’s much more to be positive about.
German legend Lothar Matthäus described Todibo as the “best centre-back I’ve seen in a long time”, while Ligue 1’s official website even compared him to a young Raphael Varane.
At 23, Todibo fits the kind of age profile PIF have targeted since taking charge of Newcastle.
Having already racked up almost 100 games in Ligue 1, targeting such a player with room to grow is certainly a logical step.
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