Aston Villa and Newcastle United gifted transfer 'open goal' as Man Utd deal 'falls through'

Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 20th Jun 2024, 10:23 BST
Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1.Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1.
Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1. | Getty Images
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their respective pursuits of a Manchester United target.

The Red Devils were in advanced talks to sign OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo but the deal has reportedly been blocked due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

United’s new major stakeholder Jim Ratcliffe also has some control over proceedings at Nice due to the involvement of his company, Ineos, in the running of the French club. The Athletic reports this factor makes Todibo’s move to Old Trafford “extremely likely” with Erik ten Hag’s side now having to look at other defensive options.

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Villa are one of the sides interested and a potential hijack could ensue, though several other teams across the Premier League and Europe are keen. Newcastle United and Liverpool are among those reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with an open goal effectively formed by Man Utd’s troubles.

Todibo has already admitted he wants to depart Nice for pastures new as he feels he’s reached a ceiling in the south of France. The former Barcelona man has ambitions of playing consistently in the Champions League and Europa League while also challenging for domestic trophies.

“I want to win titles and play in the best European competitions,” Todibo told Get French Football News just a few weeks ago. “Those are my objectives. I’d also like to go to a club that will allow me to become better, to allow me to progress on an individual level. That’s what interests me,” he said.

Todibo wants Premier League move

Born in Cayenne but two times a senior France internatonal, Todibo is eager to challenge himself in several different divisions across Europe. With his representatives in touch with a host of clubs, the player has also decided to make a hint directly to potential Premier League suitors.

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Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1. At 24, he is one of the more experienced names Liverpool have been linked to, and the Reds need seniority in defence. Nice could be looking for £50 million to part ways with Todibo.Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1. At 24, he is one of the more experienced names Liverpool have been linked to, and the Reds need seniority in defence. Nice could be looking for £50 million to part ways with Todibo.
Todibo has been the subject of Premier League interest for a while now, having established himself as one of most complete defenders in Ligue 1. At 24, he is one of the more experienced names Liverpool have been linked to, and the Reds need seniority in defence. Nice could be looking for £50 million to part ways with Todibo. | Getty Images

“I am open to joining any league honestly,” Todibo said. “I watch more or less every league and each one could appeal to me. I’m not fixated in terms of what league to join. Could I flourish in the Premier League? Yeah, I think so and I think I could flourish in any league. Is there a possibility that my chances correspond best with the Premier League? There is a chance, yes,” he continued.

Related topics:Newcastle UnitedManchester UnitedJim RatcliffeIneosPremier LeagueTransfer NewsChampions League

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