Jean-Clair Todibo has dropped a Man Utd hint. (Image: Getty)
Jean-Clair Todibo has refused to rule out a Manchester United transfer amid strong links to switching one of INEOS' clubs for another. The Nice defender is reportedly among United's centre-back targets ahead of the summer after making replacing Raphael Varane a priority.
Varane has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford after three years when his contract expires in June, with Jonny Evans also set to become a free agent.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are entering the final 12 months of their current deals and are thought to be in the shop window.
However, in a summer where funds are tight at the start of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's rebuild, INEOS will be forced to pursue alternative targets if the Toffees' asking price doesn't drop.
Todibo, who has established himself as a top centre-back at Nice, is reportedly available for around £40m, making him a cheaper option.
He is said to be on United's shortlist and could become a priority candidate to partner Lisandro Martinez next season if a move for Branthwaite collapses.
And the 24-year-old has left the door to an Old Trafford arrival wide open by refusing to pour cold water on a suggestion he's eyeing that outcome.
Jean-Clair Todibo plays for INEOS-owned Nice. (Image: Getty)
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"I'm going to keep that for me! Nice try," Todibo replied when asked by the Daily Mail if he wanted a summer switch to United.
Todibo could represent the most straightforward deal, though, given the INEOS links already in place at Nice.
He also revealed that he had already played for United as a trialist when he was a teenager before opting to join Toulouse.
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"I had trials at Nottingham Forest, Le Havre and Manchester United when I was 15 but chose to join Toulouse. The culture was different at United and Forest," Todibo explained.
"They weren't like the players in my neighbourhood just trying to enjoy it, they were on a mission, trying to be a professional.
"That wasn't my mindset at the time; I was there to enjoy and play football."
Todibo's future can be resolved before Euro 2024 is out of the way after Didier Deschamps snubbed the defender in his all-star France squad that's heading to Germany this summer.
