Manchester United know what they must do to sign Jean-Clair Todibo amid Tottenham transfer links

Manchester United want to strengthen their defence and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo is reportedly the man they wish to do it

Manchester United's defensive woes have come back to bite them as 2023 draws to a close.

At the end of last season, Erik ten Hag looked to have settled on a back four which could push on this campaign. However, a raft of injuries in defence has coincided with the Reds losing their way and it is no surprise the United boss has a centre-back on his list of priorities.

The January transfer window might not be the ideal time to do business but one man who has been continuously linked with United is Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo. In the summer, there was no room to facilitate a deal for Todibo as the Reds could not ship Harry Maguire out of the club.

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Ironically, Maguire has become one of United's best performing defenders in the absence of Lisandro Martinez but with January on the horizon, Tottenham Hotspur are showing a keen interest in Todibo and the Reds may suddenly have their work cut out to tempt him.

Should they wish to beat Spurs to the in-demand defender, United have been told by the man himself what they must do. In an interview with L'Equipe earlier this year, Todibo explained: "I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t have the thought to tell myself that perhaps I should play in a ‘top club’ to increase my chances [of playing for France], but there are also guarantees when playing at Nice.

"I experienced it differently from my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth, thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm. Reflection is much more important than when I started. I’m waiting to be presented with the complete project.

"What is expected of me? Why am I coming? You shouldn’t arrive at a club like that. I know what I have at Nice. Why go into the unknown? So, everything must be clear."

When INEOS eventually arrive at United, their top task will be to create a project will attract players like Todibo. It is not something which happens overnight but, after years of neglect, it has been lost at Old Trafford. The name of the club is no longer enough for would-be United players and if Ten Hag wants the defender he will need to sit down with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and create the package which will entice him.

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