Manchester United set to go head to head with Bayern for this French defender

The two historic clubs have similar needs in the transfer market and their paths cross for this French player

18/01/2024, 04:59 PM +00:00

The two historic clubs will duel it out in the market for this defender

Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Two clubs that share a rich history with each other and will always be linked with each other for good and bad reasons. The battle for the treble in 1999 which saw United complete history will never be forgotten, nor will Arjen Robben’s fantastic volley at Old Trafford as Bayern beat United in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The two clubs crossed paths with each other this past summer in search of a striker. Both clubs held a strong interest in the services of superstar striker Harry Kane from Spurs. Bayern put in a much stronger effort than the Red Devils, as United would wind up putting in a stronger effort for Rasmus Hojlund as they believed securing Kane from an English rival would be too difficult. Once again the two clubs have a similar need in the transfer market as both clubs are in urgent need of a centre-back.

After journalist Florian Plattenberg linked both clubs with a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Aurajo, and Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport linked them with Leny Yoro, there has been another named added to the list. Jean-Clair Todibo. The two clubs believe that the defender from OCG Nice would be a strong addition to their squads. United have had Todibo high up on their list since last summer but were never able to raise the funds at the position to make a bid that Nice would consider.

However, United now have a new advantage they could use to get the defender that Bayern might not be able to compete with. New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the owner of OCG Nice where Todibo plays, and with Ratcliffe keen on making United competitive on the field again, one would assume he would look towards his French club and one of their best players.

OCG Nice current stance on Todibo’s future

Todibo was linked with a January move to Spurs but the North London club pivoted quickly to Dragusin from Genoa which suggests Nice are unwilling to part with their best defender this January transfer window. According to CaughtOffside the French club have set a 51-million-pound price tag on the player.