Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd ready to sign “Next Varane” as Harry Maguire replacement

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Manchester United are targeting Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as a replacement for Harry Maguire, according to Fabrizio Romano.United are considering offers for Maguire this summer, with the England centre-back not a central part of Erik ten Hag’s plans having been stripped of the captaincy.They will consider offers of a ‘fair market value’, according to Sky Sports, having already turned down a £20 million bid from West Ham.With that in mind, United are in the market for a new centre-back, having failed in an attempt to sign Kim Min-jae earlier in the window.

Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez are their other central defensive options currently, although the Belfast Telegraph claim they are in talks with Jonny Evans over a one-year deal.But according to Romano, the club remain interested in bolstering their defensive ranks further – and may have found the perfect option.Man Utd ‘interested in Jean-Clair Todibo’

Taking to his YouTube channel, Romano has revealed that United have identified Todibo, a Barcelona academy graduate, as a transfer target – but only if Maguire leaves.He said: “Manchester United sent their scouts multiple times to follow Todibo.”Manchester United are keeping an eye on the situation of Todibo, and they have contacts. They think that Todibo could be one of the priority options in case Maguire if he leaves the club.

“At the moment, the situation for Maguire remains quiet. In case the Maguire situation changes, Todibo is one of the options they are looking at.”

The 23-year-old joined Nice from Barcelona in 2021, and has already made 70 Ligue 1 appearances for the club.A tall, strong defender who is comfortable both in and out of possession, Todibo has proven to be a reliable figure for the French side, who are owned by United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.He did suffer one moment of ignominy last season, however. In September, he set a record for the fastest red card in Ligue 1 history, being sent off after just nine seconds against Angers.

But he otherwise performed at a consistent level throughout the season, and was named in the France senior squad for European qualifiers in March after missing out on their World Cup squad.