Manchester United have reportedly added Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite to their summer shortlist of centre-back targets.
The Red Devils are believed to be exploring the market for defensive reinforcements amid uncertainty over the future of Harry Maguire.
Erik ten Hag recently insisted that Maguire remains an "important" member of his first-team squad despite the 30-year-old being stripped of the captaincy last month.
However, Maguire is not guaranteed regular starts at Man United as Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw were all preferred ahead of him on numerous occasions last season, with the Englishman starting just eight games in the Premier League.
West Ham United have been strongly linked with Maguire and they allegedly failed with a £20m bid last week, but the Hammers are unlikely to return with an improved offer for the £40m-rated Englishman.
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Should Maguire attract interest from elsewhere this summer, Man United could step up their interest in both Todibo and Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.
The report adds that Todibo has previously been on Ten Hag's radar and the Frenchman once had trials at Man United earlier in his career.
Todibo began his career with Toulouse before joining Barcelona in January 2019, but he failed to reach the heights at Camp Nou and was sent out on loan to Schalke 04, Benfica and Nice before joining the latter permanently in February 2021.
The 23-year-old centre-back has since made over 100 appearances for Nice and he established himself as a key player last season, starting 33 of his 34 Ligue 1 outings.
Todibo, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool, is under contract with the French club until June 2027, while fellow Red Devils target Branthwaite has only two years remaining on his deal at Everton.
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Branthwaite joined Everton from boyhood club Carlisle United in 2020, but he is yet to make a name for himself in the senior side, featuring just 13 times in all tournaments.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven last season, making 36 appearances and winning the KNVB Beker.
However, Everton are understood to have rebuffed PSV's attempts to sign Branthwaite permanently and the defender is currently training with Sean Dyche's squad ahead of the new season.
A report last month claims that Branthwaite has informed the Toffees of his desire to leave the club this summer, and a potential move to Man United would presumably appeal to the England Under-21 international.
Man United are currently focused on finalising a £72m deal for Atalanta BC striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has arrived in the UK to undergo his medical, while Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is also said to be high on Ten Hag's wishlist.
Oliver Thomas
