9 months ago
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Jean-Clair Todibo says he remains fully focussed on the season ahead at Nice, though has kept the door open to the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea over a move in the summer transfer window.
Todibo, 24, has established himself as one of the finest young centre-backs in French football and his performances have been a key factor in Nice flying high in second in Ligue 1 – and conceding just 11 league goals – this season.
Last year, Todibo made his international debut for France and his stock continues to rise, with Europe’s elite clubs believed to be queueing up for the defender’s signature.
Manchester United and Chelsea were both credited with an interest in the centre-half last month, but the two Premier League heavyweights failed to strengthen at the back before the January transfer deadline.
And while Nice made it clear they had intention of parting with such a key player at the midway stage of the campaign, the Ligue 1 outfit are bracing themselves for a possible bidding war for their prized possession in the summer.
It’s understood the former Barcelona and Toulouse man came close to completing a £34million switch to Old Trafford six months ago and the Red Devils are expected to test Nice’s resolve once again.
However, asked about a potential move away from Nice, Todibo replied: ‘I am at Nice and we’re having a great season.
‘I don’t have my head elsewhere. If I did it would be difficult for me personally and for the group too.
‘I feel really good at Nice. We’ll see what happens in the summer but we’re not there yet.
‘I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I don’t want to give false hope. For now, I’m here at Nice.
Todibo reassured Nice supporters that he would wait until the end of the season before making a final decision over his future.
‘Football moves quickly, you never know what’s going to happen. I’ll wait until the summer to make my decision,’ he added.
‘If my decision is to stay, I’ll announce it, if it is to leave, I’ll announce it too and I’ll thank everyone, but we’re not there yet.’
The France international – who is tied into a deal with Nice until 2027 – hopes remain on good terms and achieve ‘something beautiful’ before leaving.
‘There are important games coming up. The goal is that if it is to be my final season at Nice, then I want to leave here having done something beautiful with the club,’ he went on.
‘The supporters and the club deserve players who give everything on the pitch, and to achieve something substantial.
‘Personally, if I am to leave, I want to leave something good behind.’
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