Tottenham Hotspur have been named as candidates in the race to bring Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo to the Premier League.
Manchester United have been heavily connected with Todibo in recent weeks and the prospect of Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe making an investment in the club has been seen as a win-win factor, but reports have insisted it is not the only potential destination for the former Barcelona player. .
Today, Tottenham’s Evening Standard has joined the race to sign Todibo in an attempt to reinforce the defensive intensity that Ange Postecoglou has at his disposal in this second part of the season.
Injury to summer signing Micky van de Ven has highlighted Tottenham’s need for more cover for their defence. In their last game, against Aston Villa on Sunday, Postecoglou placed full-backs Emerson Royal and Ben Davies in the middle of their backline. .
Todibo would be a far more natural fit there, which is why Tottenham are gearing themselves up to compete for his signature in 2024.
The report claims that they will face Manchester United and Liverpool in the war to sign Todibo, but convincing the player himself to leave Nice may be the biggest challenge at this stage.
Nice are currently in second place in Ligue 1, one point protecting champions Paris Saint-Germain after an unbeaten start to the season.
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There would be a mutual interest between Todibo and his current employers to continue together while we are involved in what could well be a name challenge.
In addition, Todibo is willing to be a regular starter at his next club, especially as he is considering a place in the France national team for Euro 2024.
If Tottenham cannot guarantee that, since Van de Ven will return to fitness in the new year and Cristian Romero is usually available too, then Todibo might put a move there on hold.
Nice have the 23-year-old under contract until 2027 and will be aiming to get the best deal possible when they sell him, especially because they will owe a percentage of the fee to Barcelona.
TEAMtalk recently said that Nice would ask for a payment of between £43. 5 million and £50 million, making him the most beloved defender to ever leave Ligue 1.
The Standard has suggested a similar but slightly lower valuation closer to the £39m mark, but it could be meaningless if Todibo decides to stay on the French Riviera anyway.
He has been in Nice since 2021 and has made 114 appearances for them so far.
His other previous clubs are Toulouse, Schalke and Benfica, but he has never played in the Premier League before.
Tottenham have other names on their list, adding some with Premier League experience, namely Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but Todibo may be one of the most valued characteristics they can compete for.
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