Nice are reportedly ready to block any attempt from Manchester United to sign French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo during this summer's transfer window.
The 24-year-old is believed to be on Man United's radar, with the Red Devils preparing to move for at least one central defender at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Todibo was linked with a switch to Old Trafford at the start of this season, although a deal would only have been possible had Harry Maguire, who was strongly linked with West Ham United, moved on.
Man United could potentially be priced out of a deal for leading defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite, with Everton believed to value the Englishman in the region of £75m.
Todibo is also said to be on the club's shortlist, but according to Football Insider, senior figures at Nice are ready to block any attempt from Man United to sign the Frenchman.
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Any potential move for Todibo from the English giants this summer would be complicated by the fact that INEOS own Nice and have now invested in Man United.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the French outfit valued the defender between €55m (£47m) and €60m (£51m), with the Red Devils not prepared to go to that price.
Tottenham Hotspur are said to have attempted to sign Todibo in January but were put off by Nice's valuation and eventually brought in Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
Chelsea are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Blues in the market for a replacement for veteran centre-back Thiago Silva.
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Todibo has made 25 appearances for Nice during the 2023-24 campaign, including 22 outings in Ligue 1, with Les Aiglons currently sitting fifth in the table.
Francesco Farioli's side are three points behind third-placed Monaco after 26 matches, and they entered the international break off the back of a 3-1 win over Lens.
Nice are said to be determined to keep hold of Todibo for a possible 2024-25 European campaign, and he has another three years left to run on his contract at Allianz Riviera.
Man United could let as many as three senior centre-backs leave the club this summer, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both only having deals until June.
Meanwhile, there is speculation surrounding the future of Victor Lindelof, and the Sweden international has addressed reports linking him with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Matt Law
