Manchester United have now entered the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who has also been linked with a move to Newcastle this summer.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Man United have now made an initial enquiry over the 23-year-old, as Erik ten Hag targets another centre-back.
Eddie Howe has been linked with a number of defenders to compete with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, and Todibo is arguably the best of the bunch which includes Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Red Bull Salzburg’s Oumar Solet.
Newcastle’s interest in Todibo was revealed earlier this summer, but they are yet to make any official move for the defender, and Man United may now beat them to his signature.
Should Newcastle move for Todibo?
The Magpies have already spent big this summer on Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes, with Tino Livramento set to follow. It now remains to be seen whether they have the finances, and room for manoeuvre when it comes to Financial Fair Play rules, to be able to complete what could be an expensive deal.
However, if a deal can be agreed, Todibo would be a player who could help raise Newcastle’s level as a whole. Whilst Schar was impressive last season, Todibo is a younger, and almost certainly better option.
Lothar Matthaus described the Frenchman as “incredibly calm,” and he could help bring extra composure, and elite ability on the ball to Newcastle, which could prove crucial in tough Champions League matches.
There may be a sense of regret if Newcastle are to watch a top-four rival in Man United land Todibo this summer, and further proactivity in the transfer market could be wise when it comes to signing another central defender.
Todibo has a plethora of experience with Barcelona, Schalke and Nice, and could be a statement signing if Newcastle can land his signature ahead of Man United.
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