Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces Man Utd transfer dilemma as target ‘keen’ on joining rivals

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may block Tottenham’s move to sign Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo, despite the player’s desire to join Tottenham.

Todibo, 23, is having another successful season with Nice, who are majority owned by Ratcliffe’s company, INEOS. Although no official announcement has been made, INEOS has agreed a £1.3 billion deal with the Glazer family to acquire a 25% stake in United, which will see Ratcliffe and his colleagues take control of the club’s football operations.

The Red Devils were linked with Todibo long before the agreement was reached, dating back to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign when the 23-year-old was still trying to break into the Barcelona first team, but it now appears that Tottenham have jumped ahead in the queue. Tottenham have held talks with the French defender, who is said to be keen on a move to North London, for a fee of £35 million, according to the Mail.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou wants to sign a new center-back in the January transfer window, with Eric Dier entering the final six months of his contract, new signings Micky van de Ven and Ashley Phillips injured, and Cristian Romero constantly putting himself in danger of suspension with his reckless attitude.

Todibo has caught Postecoglou’s attention due to his strong performances for Nice, who are currently second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain. The south-coast club has conceded the fewest goals in the French top flight, with just nine, and their France international center-back has played a key role.

Nice will be desperate to keep Todibo in January as they try to stay ahead of PSG and qualify for the Champions League, though Ratcliffe has the ability to veto any deal with Tottenham. United would benefit from this, as the club plans to sign a new center-back next summer.

Raphael Varane’s contract expires in June, and manager Erik ten Hag could replace him with Todibo, who grew up idolizing the former Real Madrid stalwart. “I am inspired by Thiago Silva and [Virgil] Van Dijk, they are the ones I watch the most,” Todibo said earlier this year.

“I was also influenced by Varane.” Nice has a contract with me until 2027. I’m not sure if going elsewhere is the best option. This is not the time to consider it. I am much more at ease with my experiences at this point, and if I have to make a decision, I will do so with great care.”