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Manchester United are still keen to land OGC Nice centre back Jean-Clair Todibo despite a UEFA ruling disallowing them from registering a player bought from a sister club.
Todibo was high on the list of candidates to replace the outgoing Raphael Varane until the news came last week that European football’s governing body have made a new ruling forbidding players transferred between clubs with the same ownership from competing in the same competition, in this case, the Europa League.
That appeared to be the end of United’s pursuit, with part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe going on record to say he did not agree with the decision.
However, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sir Jim and Ineos have not entirely given up on the deal.
Tavolieri posted on X this morning that:
“INEOS want to complete the transfer of Jean-Clair Todibo to Manchester United!
“The English company specializing in the chemicals sector is contesting the regulations put in place and has hired Swiss lawyer Gianpaolo Monteneri to plead before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favor of the arrival of the #OGCNice defender at #MUFC … Wait&See.”
🇬🇧🦅 EXCL. INEOS veut faire aboutir le transfert de Jean-Clair Todibo à Manchester United ! 🔴🇫🇷
⚖️ La société anglaise spécialisée dans le secteur de la chimie conteste le règlement mis en place et a engagé l’avocat suisse Gianpaolo Monteneri pour plaider devant le Tribunal… pic.twitter.com/npXXTymkck— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 26, 2024
If Tavolieri is correct, the question remains as to how long such a process would take and whether United would freeze negotiations with all the other centre backs on their shortlist pending the outcome.
The Red Devils are still believed to want Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, although the two sides remain miles apart in terms of valuations.
Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that the Old Trafford outfit have called LOSC Lille in the last 24-48 hours to discuss 18-year-old wonderkid Leny Yoro.
Other centre backs are also said to be on Ineos’ radar, including Benfica’s Andre Silva and Sporting’s Gonçalo Inácio.
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