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Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle United are all reportedly interested in signing French Under-20 international Jean-Clair Todibo from Ligue 1 side Nice.
The 23-year-old made his career at French side Toulouse and joined FC Barcelona in 2019. He has only played five times for the La Liga giants at senior level.
Todibo was on loan at Schalke, Benfica and Nice before leaving Barcelona for a permanent move to Ligue 1.
The centre-back has been a key player for Nice over the last two years and has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season.
His form caught the attention of clubs across Europe. Earlier this week, it was reported that Liverpool are interested in the defender, who will cost around £26m this summer.
It appears Liverpool have a fight on their hands as Man Utd and Newcastle are also ‘fans’ of Todibo. This is according to Caught Offside reporter Jonathan Johnson.
The journalist thinks the three English clubs «would probably have an advantage» over other European clubs in the Todibo race.
He also believes Todibo «would be a good choice for a number of Premier League clubs».
«Todibo is wanted in and outside France, he’s been of interest to PSG and I think he’s someone they will continue to look at, even if he would come with quite a steep price tag,» Johnson said Caught offside.
“I think Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle, his Premier League admirers, would probably have an advantage there.
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Equally, I think any interested club would be in a pretty strong negotiating position, as Nice are unlikely to have European football next season. Their star names like Todibo and Khephren Thuram are sought after by many top teams and it will be very difficult for Nice to get those players to pledge their future to the team.
“I certainly expect interest in Todibo to grow between now and the end of the season, and he would be suitable for several Premier League clubs.
«I think as he’s looking to make it into the French national team he would perhaps benefit from staying in Ligue 1 a little longer – he’s taken a while to develop but now he’s really coming through and starting to look more as the finished product at elite level, so perhaps it’s a little too early for him to make the leap to one of the Premier League’s top sides, although that won’t stop him from smelling this summer.
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