11 months ago
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Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has stressed that the club have no intention of selling Jean-Clair Todibo this month amid strong interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.
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Todibo, 24, is regarded as one of the finest young centre-backs in Ligue 1 and his performances have been a key factor in Nice conceding just 11 league goals this term – the lowest tally in the entire French top flight.
The sought-after Frenchman was rewarded with his senior first call-up to Didier Deschamps’ squad last year and went on to make his competitive debut for his country in the side’s record-breaking 14-0 over Gibraltar.
Widespread reports this month indicate that Todibo has caught the attention of English football’s elite, with United, Chelsea and Spurs all looking to strengthen at centre-half before the January transfer deadline.
Both United and Chelsea have identified Todibo as a top target after enduring disappointing starts to the season, while Tottenham are understood to have held talks over a possible deal for the France international.
But it appears the heavyweight Premier League trio will be forced to explore alternatives in central defence after Nice’s hierarchy made it clear Todibo remained a key part of their plans for the second half of the campaign.
Asked whether Nice will resist approaches for Todibo and midfielder Khephren Thuram, Ghisolfi told reporters: ‘Yes.
‘As we’ve said since the offset, we are working on stability, and stability is keeping your best players.
‘Jean-Clair and Thuram are definitely that, as players and as leaders as they are vice-captains. We absolutely want to keep them.
‘I hope they speedily come back from suspension and injury and quickly bring their freshness, leadership and enthusiasm.’
Last week, ESPN reported that United had opened discussions with a view to overhauling their defence in the summer transfer window, with Todibo and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite being watched by the Old Trafford giants.
It’s believed the Red Devils are open to offers for Harry Maguire, despite the England defender’s return to Erik ten Ten starting XI this term, while Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof could all be set for the exit door.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future also remains uncertain and the club are keeping close tabs on Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey as a possible long-term replacement for the right-back.
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