Manchester United close in on signing with £34m transfer now ‘in sight’ for French defender

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo despite Harry Maguire’s situation remaining unresolved, according to reports.

The Red Devils are hoping to bring in a new midfielder and a new centre-back before the transfer deadline as Erik ten Hag looks to improve his squad.

A midfielder is seen as the priority after Ten Hag’s side put in two underwhelming performances against Wolves and Tottenham in their first two matches of the new Premier League season.

It is understood that Man Utd will only move for a new defender if Maguire – who was stripped of the captaincy earlier this summer – leaves Old Trafford for pastures new.

Maguire was on the verge of a £30m move to West Ham earlier this month but the Hammers ended up pulling out after becoming frustrated at how long the England international was taking to decide.

But now French newspaper L’Equipe claims that Nice’s Todibo is nearing a move to Man Utd this summer with the Frenchman valued at around €40m (£34m).

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A deal for Todibo is now ‘in sight’, despite reports the Red Devils were interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, with Man Utd now signing the Nice defender instead.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has brought an update on the futures of Mason Greenwood, who is leaving Man Utd, and Maguire.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Manchester United are looking for solutions for Mason Greenwood. Of course, they want to let him go, and their priority is to find something for him not in England.

“The priority is on the Italian and Turkish market, they are trying to find the best solution for the player, and they will try until the end to avoid letting him go to another club in England, though if other deals don’t work out it could be an option.

“Staying with United, Harry Maguire’s future remains up in the air, but it looks to be over with West Ham, who have announced Konstantinos Mavropanos. United’s position remains clear – Maguire can leave for £30m, but no other clubs as of today are offering that.

“The situation remains open, but it’s not just down to the club because remember that Maguire to West Ham collapsed because of the player, so it’s crucial for a new solution to be agreed by the player.

“In the last 48 hours, Man Utd told the agents of Benjamin Pavard that they are no longer in the race and the player can join Inter because they are not negotiating with any club for Maguire, and they expect him to stay.

“Only a new bid in the final days of the window can change the situation. For now, it’s very quiet on Maguire, and for Pavard, it’s going to be Inter.

“Dean Henderson’s future has also dragged on for a while. Man United always wanted a loan with obligation to buy clause, that is the key point. Crystal Palace are currently the favourites to sign him over Nottingham Forest, interest remains there from both sides. I expect him to finally leave United in the next few days.”