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Manchester United’s journey to strengthen their defence has not been smooth and there are still several hurdles to overcome before they can sign key targets.
According to recent reports, the club have had a second bid for top defensive target Jared Branthwaite rejected by Everton, who are still holding out for a £70m valuation.
United’s bid for Leni Lloro is also likely to fail, with the young Frenchman keen on a move to Real Madrid.
Another long-term target who has proven difficult to recruit is Jean-Clair Todibo from INEOS-owned OGC Nice. Given the two clubs’ shared ownership, it seemed like a no-brainer, but UEFA put a damper on the plans.
Todibo’s United are leaving
According to the rules, clubs under the same wing cannot exchange players when playing in the same competition. With both clubs qualifying for the upcoming season of the Europa League, Todibo’s proposed move to Old Trafford fell through.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not given up and is trying to win the legal battle over Todibo’s inclusion, but it looks like it will not work and the defender wants to move this summer rather than wait a season.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have emerged as a strong alternative, with the Frenchman reportedly agreeing a move and waiting for the Bianconeri to begin proceedings.
West Ham were also included in the list of transfer targets, but Todibo rejected a move to the Hammers despite a €35m offer, and the Hammers subsequently signed Wolverhampton for Max Kilman.
But even the Turin-based club are expected to fall far short of United’s €40m bid and instead propose a loan deal with an obligatory buy clause.
Juventus eyes Todibo
“The Nice centre-back who missed out on a move to Manchester United has only Lady on his mind. Todibo is targeting a move to Juventus, as is team-mate Kefren Thuram.
“Jean-Clair has asked his entourage to wait for the Bianconeri at this time of the summer. The 24-year-old from Cayenne will not have endless patience.
“The French Riviera club starts with an asking price of 40 million euros, the same as Manchester United offered at the end of June. Giuntoli is confident of his good relationship with France to make another move on the Turin-Nice route. Juventus are targeting a loan with a right of way to repay Todibo.”
It remains to be seen whether INEOS will decide to sell him without waiting another season – the former Barcelona star was close to a move to Manchester last season, but that didn’t happen either.
The Red Devils have been forced to look elsewhere and are currently eyeing Mathis de Ligt to strengthen the right side of their defence.
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