Potential Manchester United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not prepared to block a move to Tottenham Hotspur for Nice's Jean Clair-Todibo.
The 23-year-old is arguably one of Europe's highest-rated centre-back prospects, having made 100 appearances for the French club since joining permanently in the summer of 2021.
Nice have fared well in the opening months of the 2023-24 season, with Todibo and his teammates currently sitting second in the Ligue 1 standings, five points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
The defender's performances for his club have earned him international recognition during this calendar year, with the former Barcelona man receiving two caps for France.
According to the Evening Standard, Ratcliffe would not stand in the way of Todibo moving to Tottenham in the January transfer window, despite interest in the centre-back from Manchester United.
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The INEOS billionaire is on the verge of becoming a shareholder in the Red Devils - a move which would see him take control of the footballing operations at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe is also the owner of Todibo's Nice, who have been fending off the advances of a number of European clubs for their centre-back over the past year.
Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are said to be tracking the Frenchman, whose representatives have been in talks with Spurs earlier this week.
It is understood that Nice are looking to pocket no less than £35m for Todibo, and that Ratcliffe would not block a move to North London in the New Year should the Lilywhites submit a satisfactory offer.
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Ange Postecoglou is said to be making the arrival of a new centre-back his priority during the January transfer window, considering a number of absences in recent weeks.
Summer signing Micky van de Ven suffered a serious hamstring injury during Spurs' defeat to Chelsea at the beginning of November, with the Netherlands international sidelined until the New Year.
Todibo is thought to be interested in joining Postecoglou's reinvigorated side, who are aiming to clinch a top-four finish this season after missing out on European football all together in 2022-23.
A centre-back pairing of Ben Davies and livewire Cristian Romero is expected to be fielded when Tottenham welcome Sean Dyche's in-form Everton to North London on Saturday afternoon.
Carter White
