Manchester United have reportedly identified Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo as their number one replacement for Raphael Varane, as the speculation surrounding the Frenchman's future gathers pace.
Varane has made 10 appearances for the Red Devils this season, but he has recently been overlooked for starts, with Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire picked ahead of him in the last two Premier League matches.
The 30-year-old has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2025, but there have recently been claims that he is considering his future with Erik ten Hag's side.
Saudi Arabian clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, and a recent report claimed that Varane is open to making a lucrative switch to the country in 2024.
According to CaughtOffside, Varane could leave as soon as January, which would put the 20-time English champions in the market for a replacement.
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The report claims that Varane is now more likely to leave than Maguire, who has managed to work his way back into the starting side in recent weeks with a string of strong performances.
Lisandro Martinez is out until at least Christmas following a foot operation, while the speculation surrounding Varane's future means that Maguire is now a starter for the team once again.
Man United are allegedly admirers of Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio, Benfica's Antonio Silva, Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
However, it is understood that Todibo is their leading choice to replace Varane, with the 23-year-old also heavily linked with a move to Man United over the summer.
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A recent report claimed that Nice are prepared to sell the defender for the right price next year, with Chelsea also said to be expressing an interest in his signature.
However, Man United are said to be at the head of the queue for a player who could potentially be available for around £44m either in January or at the end of the campaign.
Todibo has again been an important player for his French club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 10 appearances in all competitions.
In total, the ex-Barcelona centre-back has made 113 appearances for Nice, scoring twice and registering one assist in the process.
Casemiro is also currently being linked with a switch away from Old Trafford, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League said to be lining up a mid-season move for him.
Matt Law
