Manchester United are reportedly ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Red Devils have been actively pursuing a new centre-half for several months due to the injury to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane seemingly falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag.
In Martinez's absence, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have served as the preferred defensive duo, while Luke Shaw has also filled in at centre-back since returning from injury.
According to Football Insider, Man United are now the frontrunners to secure the signature of the 23-year-old defender despite increased interest from Spurs in recent weeks.
The report adds that the Red Devils are prepared to leverage Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership ties with Nice to expedite the deal, as the British billionaire's INEOS group holds the majority ownership of the Ligue 1 outfit.
It is understood that the announcement of Ratcliffe's minority investment deal with United is anticipated imminently.
Following the decision by Premier League clubs not to ban related-party deals last month, United now have the freedom to engage in trade with other European clubs owned by INEOS.
In recent seasons, Todibo has established himself as a key player for Nice, accumulating 115 first-team appearances since his arrival back in 2021.
Devesh Jaganath
