Nice have reportedly told in-demand centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo that they are prepared to sell him next year, with Manchester United potentially reigniting their interest.
The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, but it is understood that a switch would only have been possible if Harry Maguire left the club.
Maguire ultimately rejected the chance to depart, and the England international has managed to work his way into the starting side in recent weeks, again getting the nod in the middle of the defence for Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham.
Jonny Evans is also currently receiving plenty of football, with Lisandro Martinez recovering from a foot operation, while Raphael Varane is currently being overlooked for starts.
Varane has been named on the bench for Man United's last two Premier League games, and it is being reported that he wants to leave next summer to move to Saudi Arabia.
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As a result, Man United could move for two new centre-backs next year, as Evans is out of contract at the end of the campaign, while there remains uncertainty surrounding Maguire's future.
According to 90min, Nice have told Todibo that he will be allowed to leave next year for the right price, although the French club are hoping to keep hold of him for the remainder of the season.
The report claims that Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have also sent scouts to watch Todibo this season, while Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are said to be interested.
Nice have the defender on a contract until June 2027, but the club have allegedly accepted that they will be unable to keep hold of him on a long-term basis due to the growing interest in his services.
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Todibo started his professional career with Toulouse before making the move to Barcelona in 2019, but he struggled at Camp Nou, only featuring five times for the Catalan outfit.
The defender had loan spells at Schalke 04, Benfica and Nice during his time at Barcelona before completing a permanent move to the latter in the summer of 2021.
Todibo has made 112 appearances for his current side in all competitions, scoring twice and contributing one assist in the process.
This season, the Frenchman has made nine appearances in Ligue 1, with his performances believed to have led to a number of clubs expressing an interest.
Nice are owned by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who are preparing to purchase 25% of Man United for around £1.4bn, with the deal expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Matt Law
