Manchester United 'appoint Swiss lawyer' in bid to sign Jean-Clair Todibo

Manchester United have reportedly hired a Swiss lawyer in a bid to complete a deal for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo during this summer's transfer window.

Last week, Man United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed that the Red Devils had been blocked from signing Todibo in the current market.

Nice are owned by Ratcliffe's INEOS company, and with the British billionaire recently becoming a minority shareholder of Man United, UEFA blocked the transfer.

"They've said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can't sell to Manchester United," Ratcliffe told Bloomberg. "But that's not fair on the player and I don't see what that achieves."

A recent report claimed that Ratcliffe was considering selling his shares in Nice to avoid any further problems when it comes to his role at Man United.

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Man United 'still pushing to sign Todibo'

There has still not been an official ruling from UEFA over whether both Man United and Nice will be able to play in the group stage of the Europa League during the 2024-25 campaign.

Despite the ruling from UEFA on Todibo, it is being reported that Man United are still hoping to secure the Frenchman's signature during the current window.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri wrote on X that the club have appointed Swiss lawyer Gianpaolo Monteneri to 'plead before the Court of Arbitration for Sport'.

"INEOS wants to complete the transfer of Jean-Clair Todibo to Manchester United," Tavolieri said on social media.

"The English company specialising in the chemicals sector is contesting the regulations put in place and has hired Swiss lawyer Gianpaolo Monteneri to plead before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of the arrival of the defender."

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Would Todibo be a good signing for Man United?

Man United are seemingly making drastic steps when it comes to Todibo, such is their desire to bring him to Old Trafford during the current transfer window.

Raphael Varane's departure on a free transfer has already been confirmed, while Jonny Evans is yet to pen a new deal, and Victor Lindelof is being linked with an exit.

As a result, two new centre-backs could arrive, and Todibo, 24, appears to be firmly on their shortlist.

The Frenchman made 33 appearances for Nice last season, while he has featured on 136 occasions for his French side in all competitions.

Todibo failed to make his mark at Barcelona in the early stages of his career, but the centre-back has made huge steps forward in recent seasons and looks ready for another switch to a major club.