Manchester United reportedly sent a delegation to France over the weekend to track three key summer targets during OGC Nice’s game in Strasbourg.
It’s believed that the United representatives were present to monitor Jean-Clair Todibo, Melvin Bard and Khephren Thuram.
United interested in Todibo, Thuram and Bard
It’s been widely mentioned that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are eager to bolster the Red Devils’ defensive department, especially in the centre-back position.
Consistently occurring injuries have left Erik ten Hag with extremely limited options in that part of the pitch. Combine this with the fact that there are doubts over the future of the likes of Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof and it makes sense why United are on the market for central defenders.
Varane and Evans are set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in the summer when their respective deals expire. Meanwhile, it’s believed that the club could let Maguire and Lindelof depart if enticing offers for them are made. This is where Todibo comes in.
The Frenchman has been on United’s radar since last summer but a move never materialized. His transfer to England was contingent on Maguire joining West Ham and when that collapsed, so did Todibo’s proposed switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
However, United are still thought to be interested in the 24-year-old, who has made 30 appearances for Nice across all competitions this term.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person also noted United’s links to Todibo’s teammate, Thuram. With question marks surrounding the long-term tenures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, midfield could also become a position INEOS look to reinforce. Thuram could be a solution in this respect.
United have struggled at left-back all season amidst long-term injuries picked up by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. It was relayed that the 20-time English champions have their eye on Nice’s Melvin Bard as a potential alternative. Bard has enjoyed a fine season in Ligue 1.
United “check on” Todibo, Thuram and Bard over the weekend
According to HITC, United were represented as Nice took on Strasbourg on Sunday and ran out 1-3 winners at Stade de la Meinau.
Goals from Evann Guessand, Dante and Morgan Sanson were enough for Nice to secure the win and clinch all three points.
Todibo, Thuram and Bard all played 90 minutes on that occasion.
“United are maintaining a watching brief and HITC understands that United had personnel in Strasbourg to see Nice claim a 3-1 win over the weekend.”
“HITC understands Nice are gearing up to lose at least one big name this summer, which many believe would be Thuram or Todibo.”
“HITC understands that Chelsea were also represented at the game, but sources insist that they are regularly in attendance as they check on the progress of their sister club.”
The report adds that United have an advantage in their pursuit of Todibo, Thuram and Bard because INEOS staff already have good knowledge of the trio’s attributes and potential.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
