I will join Man utd on one condition – £40m Ligue 1 superstar has told Man United what they must do to sign him next summer as Varane replacement

I will join Man utd on one condition – £40m Ligue 1 superstar has told Man United what they must do to sign him next summer as Varane replacement

Man United have identified central defence as a key position to strengthen next summer and have held previous interest in the OGC Nice man.

OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo insists anyone interested in signing him must be able to present a ‘complete project’ amid links to Manchester United.

Todibo was one of several central defenders reportedly on United’s radar in the final weeks of the window, with Erik ten Hag planning to replace Harry Maguire.

A £30million bid from West Ham was accepted for the former Reds captain, albeit his move fell through due to pay-off demands.

As such, United cooled their interest in Todibo and other defensive options but have identified centre-back as one of four key areas to strengthen next summer. And if they are to return for the Nice star, they will have to convince him of the project at Old Trafford.

“I experienced it differently from previous situations in my career,” Todibo told L’Equipe of this summer’s transfer interest. “My thinking was much more in-depth and thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm.

“Reflection is much more important for me than when I started out. I am waiting to be presented with a complete project. What is expected of me? Why am I coming? You shouldn’t join a club just like that.

“I know what I have at Nice. Why go into the unknown? So, everything must be clear. I was 18 during my first transfer and the thinking was not thorough.”

Todibo, 23, fits the bill for next summer, with United wanting to sign a young and athletic centre-back to complement their current cohort. Raphael Varane and Maguire are both 30 years old, and the former is suffering with injury issues while the latter could leave.

Victor Lindelof is also into the final year of his contract, although there is an option to extend that for a further 12 months which will likely be activated. Edmond Tapsoba, 24, is also on a list of potential signings, having continued to impress at Bayer Leverkusen