The Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick has now reported that Nice owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will not block Jean-Clair Todibo’s proposed move to Tottenham even though he is on the verge of buying a minority stake in Manchester United.
It has been widely reported over the last few days that Spurs have begun talks with Todibo and Nice over a January transfer, with the North London club intending to get a deal for the centre-back agreed quickly (Fabrizio Romano – YouTube).
However, Tottenham are not the only ones plotting a move for the Frenchman, with The Metro revealing a couple of days ago that the player also remains near the top of Man Utd’s wishlist.
The outlet pointed out that since Ratcliffe, who owns Nice, is set to buy a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils, he could block the defender’s move to the Lilywhites.
Nice ready to sell Jean-Clair Todibo to Spurs
However, Kilpatrick has now said that Ratcliffe, who is set to assume control of United’s football operations when the takeover is complete, will not stand in Todibo’s way if the centre-back decides to go to Spurs.
The journalist adds that the impending takeover of Man Utd is ‘not expected to complicate’ Tottenham’s pursuit of the French international, with Nice ready to sell the player if their asking price, which is thought to be over £35m, is met.
Kilpatrick also adds that as things stand, Tottenham are ahead of the Manchester club in the race for Todibo’s signature.
Spurs Web Opinion
This is a significant update but not one that I am surprised by as Ratcliffe and INEOS might potentially be opening themselves to a lawsuit over a conflict of interest if they refuse to deal with Spurs and then later sell the player to Man Utd for a similar fee that the Lilywhites are ready to offer.
However, this does not mean that Tottenham will get Todibo as Nice could decide to hang on to the centre-back until the end of the season to ensure their title challenge is not disrupted.
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