Man United preparing formal bid for top Ligue 1 defender as Jarrad Branthwaite alternative

Man United preparing formal bid for top Ligue 1 defender as Jarrad Branthwaite alternative

Manchester United are reportedly set to make an offer for one of Ligue 1’s top defenders

Manchester United will reportedly look to strengthen their defence with the addition of highly-rated Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.

Erik ten Hag’s side have shipped goals at an alarming rate this season and have been hindered by injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire.

Defence is, understandably, likely to be a priority for the Red Devils when the transfer window reopens.

Todibo has been identified as a less expensive alternative to Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.

United will reportedly make a “formal bid” for the 24-year-old this summer, although Branthwaite is said to remain their first-choice option.

Todibo has made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Nice this term, helping his side to the best defensive record in the division with just 25 goals conceded and 16 clean sheets.

A previous report from talkSPORT suggested the Frenchman could be available at a “cut-price” £40 million.

The defender has also been linked with Chelsea, although United appear to be the favourites to secure his signature as things stand.

Ratcliffe reportedly wants to bring in at least two new defenders, having watched a centre-back pairing of Casemiro and Jonny Evans be dismantled by Crystal Palace’s attackers in a 4-0 loss at Selhurst Park last time out.