"Checked this out and was told..." - Journalist drops big update on Newcastle link to 6 ft 3 ace

Newcastle United are not prioritising another central defender this summer despite being linked with Jean-Clair Todibo, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have already added Sven Botman to their ranks in the current window, while Dan Burn arrived in January, meaning they are now well-stocked at the heart of defence.

French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Newcastle are one of several sides interested in prising Todibo away from OGC Nice following an outstanding 2021/22 campaign.

It’s claimed that Premier League giants Manchester United are also among the 22-year-old’s admirers, while Sevilla and Napoli have reportedly already seen approaches rebuffed.

The report states that Nice are demanding €20 million (£17m) for Todibo, who they picked up from Barcelona for just €8.5m (£7.1m) 12 months ago.

Todibo still has four years remaining on his current contract at the Allianz Riviera, though, and Nice’s new manager Lucien Favre will surely be eager to keep hold of one of his star performers.

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that ‘there isn’t really that need to sign another centre-back’ at Newcastle right now, although things could change if Jamaal Lascelles moves on.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “I can’t see it as it stands right now. A new centre-half is just not the priority.

“I checked this out and was told that, after signing Botman, they’ve got Schar on a new deal, they love Dan Burn and think he’s transitioned brilliantly into the team, there isn’t really that need to sign another centre-back. Maybe if Lascelles moved on, things could change.”

Todibo established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Ligue 1 last term, making 40 appearances as Nice finished fifth in the top-flight while