Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly unlikely to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo during the January transfer window.
Spurs can claim to have enjoyed a strong start to life under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, the club currently sitting in fifth position in the Premier League table.
However, the recent hamstring injury sustained by Micky van de Ven exposed the lack of quality and depth in the middle of the backline, undermining their efforts at the other end of the pitch.
While Van de Ven may soon make his return and rejoin Cristian Romero as Postecoglou's preferred central-defensive partnership, it has been widely reported that Spurs are in the market for reinforcements.
That would come at a time when Eric Dier is available for transfer courtesy of having just over six months remaining on his contract.
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In recent days, it has been claimed that Spurs have expressed an interest in Todibo and have already held discussions over a potential deal in January.
Despite their lofty position in Ligue 1, there have been suggestions that Nice are prepared to cash in on arguably their most prized asset in 2024.
Nevertheless, according to The Athletic, a transfer is unlikely to materialise when business reopens next month.
Todibo has been part of a Nice defence that have conceded just nine goals in 17 league matches this season, five of those coming in the last four fixtures.
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As a result, Nice hold a four-point advantage in the race for the Champions League positions, a scenario that may see them fight harder to retain the 23-year-old's services.
From Spurs' perspective, the report indicates that a new central midfielder and wide player are more likely to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, depending on outgoings.
The likes of Ben Davies and Emerson Royal have been used in central defence when Van de Ven has been injured and Romero served a three-match ban.
Postecoglou also has Ashley Phillips at his disposal, but he is yet to provide the England Under-19 international with any senior minutes since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers.
Darren Plant
