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Tottenham Hotspur 'join Manchester United, Liverpool in Jean-Clair Todibo race'

By Ben Sully | 28 November 2023

Tottenham 'join Man United, Liverpool in Jean-Clair Todibo race'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to rival Manchester United and Liverpool for the signature of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

The centre-back has put in a number of impressive performances this season to help Nice keep pace with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1.

Todibo has started 11 of Nice's 13 league games this term, playing a key role in a backline that has conceded just four goals in Ligue 1 this season.

Man United have been linked with a potential move for the Nice defender, although there is a belief that they could delay their pursuit until the summer.

The France international is also believed to be attracting interest from Man United's Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou pictured on November 6, 2023 © Reuters

According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham are now set to rival Man United and Liverpool for the Frenchman's signature.

With Todibo under contract until June 2027, it would take a fee in the region of £39m to prise him away from the Ligue 1 side.

Although Todibo is open to a move to the Premier League, he will look to seek assurances about playing time due to his desire to make the France squad for next summer's European championships.

The report claims that Spurs have joined the race after making a new centre-back their top priority for the January transfer window.

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo reacts in March 2022 © Reuters

Spurs brought in a couple of new central defenders in the summer, signing Micky van de Ven and Ashley Phillips from Wolfsburg and Blackburn Rovers.

While Van de Ven quickly established a formidable central defensive partnership with Cristian Romero, he is now sidelined until the new year after picking up a hamstring injury against Chelsea earlier this month.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Eric Dier, who has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou.

Dier, who has entered the final year of his contract, has featured in just two of Tottenham's 13 league games, and he was left on the bench for Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa.

In addition to Todibo, Spurs have also been linked with a number of other defensive targets, including Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly.