the most recent transfer rumors coming out of Old Trafford as Manchester United looks to bolster their roster in the summer.
Manchester United’s adversaries in the Premier League, West Ham United, are a challenge to their efforts to strengthen their defense.
Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly interested in adding a few defensive players, including Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, and Bayern Munich center-back Matthijs de Light. Varane left the team after his contract with United expired last month.
There have been several rumors that Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is also being considered by United; nevertheless, there have been apprehensions that any transfer would be the focus of a UEFA inquiry because Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns a majority stake in the Ligue 1 team. The head of INEOS has already criticized the regulatory body for allegedly threatening to thwart any United attempt to sign the highly-regarded center back following intense scrutiny of multi-club ownership in recent months.
He told Bloomberg last month regarding the potential transfer and UEFA’s position: “They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club.” However, we are unable to sell to Manchester United. However, I don’t see what that accomplishes and it’s unfair to the gamer.
After spending the previous three and a half years with the Ligue 1 team, Todibo made hints a few weeks prior that he would be prepared to think about leaving Nice. In February 2021, the 24-year-old made his loan move to Les Aiglons from La Liga powerhouse Barcelona. The following summer, he converted that loan into a permanent £6 million move. Todibo refrained from mentioning that he would leave Nice this summer, despite reports that teams like United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are interested in signing him. However, he did acknowledge that he wants to play for the rest of his career in the top European leagues.
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, he said, “We had a little talk, for sure, but I honestly don’t want to talk about (my future) because of my respect for the fans here and the club as well. My goal is to compete in the world’s top tournaments and strive to be the best version of myself. Certainly, I will strive to be the best defender I can be.
As rumors about his future continue to dominate the news, West Ham United is allegedly considering making a bid for Todibo as manager Julen Lopetegui aims to bolster his team ahead of his debut season at the London Stadium.
The Hammers reportedly made a proposal of about £28 million for the defender on Tuesday, according to the French publication L’Equipe, but the club said the offer was “an amount below the expectations.” The same report, nevertheless, also stated that Nice is “actively” seeking a successor for the 24-year-old and is getting ready for his summertime departure.
