£40M Nice star sends ‘surprise’ response to Man United transfer speculation as he could be Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first signing

£40M Nice star sends ‘surprise’ response to Man United transfer speculation as he could be Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first signing

Jean-Clair Todibo has issued a surprise response to speculation linking him with a summer transfer to Manchester United.

The Red Devils, regardless of who is their manager next season, will be seeking defensive reinforcements in the summer.

With question marks hanging over the futures of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and VIctor Lindelof, a new centre-half will represent a priority for Erik ten Hag or his potential successor.

Raphael Varane’s departure was already confirmed prior to last weekend’s FA Cup final triumph, while Lisandro Martinez’s fitness record over the course of the last 12 months also represents a cause for concern.

Todibo’s outstanding performances for Nice have seen him linked with a move to a number of high-profile European clubs with United chief among them.

Asked if a move to Old Trafford was on the cards this summer, the 24-year-old told Mail+: ‘It’s nice to hear all the compliments,’ he says.

‘I’m trying to stay focused on my game and my team-mates — but for sure I am open to playing in the Premier League.

‘I’m going to keep that for me! Nice try.’

Todibio boast intimate knowledge of the way Sir Jim Ratcliffe likes to conduct his business given the INEOS’s role at the Ligue 1 club.

Asked what United’s players and employees can expect from the Ratcliffe revolution, Todibo said: ‘They changed a lot of things.

‘They give us a comfort so there is a mood around the team to allow the team to succeed.

‘They put a lot of importance on being around the players, to give them the opportunity to have the best performance they can, Sir Jim — he speaks and jokes with the players. And then there’s Dave.

‘For Dave, every detail is important,’ he says. ‘He talks a lot about that, all he thinks about is performance.

‘His experience in cycling means he knows a lot about sporting performance. People say you can’t transfer cycling to football but it’s the same thing.’