Manchester United 'leading race to sign Jean-Clair Todibo' and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are reportedly leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

Todibo has been consistently linked with a move to United since the summer transfer window and MEN Sport understands a defender is one of Erik ten Hag's priority positions. According to Football Insider, the Reds are in pole position to sign the Frenchman who has only missed two matches all season.

It is understood United are willing to utilise the connection they are soon to establish with Nice to get the deal over the line. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the Reds soon which will add the club to his ever expanding INEOS portfolio which includes the Ligue 1 club.

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However, if United were to sign Todibo the deal would likely position Ratcliffe unfavourably in Nice considering the defender is one of the club's star players. It is believed a fee of £40m will be enough for the French team to part with their asset.

Elsewhere, the Reds are reportedly showing interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah. According to Kicker, United have started to step up their interest with the January window looming large.

The 27-year-old has been pivotal so far this campaign as Xabi Alonso's side set the pace in the Bundesliga. Tah has managed to score four goals in 20 appearances from centre-back this season so it is not surprising to see United linked.

But a deal is thought to be difficult to conclude in January given his importance. In the summer, it is understood an €18m release clause will become active as the player enters the final year of his current contract.