Man Utd ready to battle Chelsea for ‘Thiago Silva replacement’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots dramatic transfer reform

MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice.

The Red Devils are looking to sign a right centre-back in January as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his defence.

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Man Utd tried to sign Ligue 1 side Todibo in the summer, but the 23-year-old later admitted he “didn’t want to make the wrong choice” after establishing himself at Nice.

Chelsea have since been linked with the defender as a replacement for the aging Thiago Silva, 39.

But with Ten Hag keen to provide competition in defence, a return to Old Trafford for the Frenchman is being discussed.

Lisandro Martinez is out until Christmas while Raphael Varane falls down the rankings. Ten Hag confirms Harry Maguire is now ahead of the former Real Madrid player.

Ratcliffe’s impending investment could help make the deal easier, although it would have to be a permanent move.

Premier League clubs want to enforce a ban on loans between clubs belonging to the same ownership group ahead of the January window.

Todibo, who has one cap for France, has become a fixture in Nice’s defense as Ratcliffe’s club sit just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 table.

January planning at Old Trafford has been difficult given the uncertainty surrounding Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn investment.

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But once the billionaire has secured his 25 percent stake in the club, an overhaul of Man Utd’s recruitment process will begin.

A sale of attacking flops, including Jadon Sancho, could help fund much-needed January spending.

The British businessman wants to ensure no more money is wasted on future signings, meaning his existing knowledge of Todibo could make the former Barcelona player a frontrunner when it comes to defensive targets.

Todibo has made 114 appearances for Nice since joining the French club on loan from Barcelona in February 2021 and being made permanent four months later.

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