According to Football Insider, Manchester United is looking to sign a defender in the coming days, and Nice player Jean-Clair Todibo is their primary target.
According to the report, United are hoping to transfer former captain Harry Maguire to West Ham after the Hammers rekindled talks about a move for the 30-year-old, and the proceeds from the sale are expected to be used to launch a bid for Todibo.
Despite signing Stuttgart center-back Konstantinos Mavropanos last week, David Moyes’ team is determined to capture the England defender before the transfer market closes on Friday.
Maguire has been Moyes’ first choice center-back target this summer as the former Everton and Manchester United manager tries to bolster his team for the upcoming season, which will see them participate in the Europa League after winning the Europa Conference League last season.
West Ham was on the approach of finalizing a £30 million deal with Manchester United for Maguire, but he chose to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place. Despite being nominated to the bench in last weekend’s 3-2 triumph over Nottingham Forest, he has yet to appear in any of United’s opening three games of the season.
United are eager to move him with two years left on his contract, and West Ham are back in negotiations about a trade. If an agreement can be reached, the Red Devils will be able to make a bid for Todibo before the transfer window closes.
Maguire’s possible replacement
Raphael Varane was replaced at halftime in Manchester United’s triumph over Nottingham Forest. According to reports, he could be sidelined for up to six weeks, which means Ten Hag is in serious need of reinforcements.
The Dutchman does not want to play Maguire right now, which might change the defender’s stance and secure a move to West Ham, allowing United to bring in another center-back before the deadline on Friday.
Man United have been linked with a deal for Todibo all summer, but Nice are hesitant to part ways with one of their greatest players. He has four years remaining on his present contract with Nice, so the Ligue 1 club has negotiating leverage and could demand a large fee.
Transfermarkt values the 23-year-old at £26 million, although he’s likely to cost more at this point in the window.
