According to reports in France, Newcastle United are showing interest in OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
This comes from Foot Mercato – one of the leading French outlets – with their editor-in-chief Sebastien Denis claiming that we are one of four clubs eyeing the highly-rated 22-year-old.
Sevilla, Napoli and Manchester United are also believed to be keen, stating that Newcastle are big admirers who could make a formal move before the transfer window shuts.
It’s worth noting that Todibo is a right-sided centre-back known for his pace and athleticism – two things some supporters feel we could benefit from in a defence that looks set to feature Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett this coming season.
Interestingly, Foot Mercato report that Nice would be willing to sell the 6ft 3′ Frenchman for around €20m. A very reasonable fee for one of Ligue 1’s top young defenders, yet one that would hand them a quick profit after he arrived for €8.5m from Barcelona just 12 months ago.
So, is this a genuine link in our search for a quick, right-sided CB who could play alongside Botman and potentially replace the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez, or could this be our name added to the mix in order to drive interest elsewhere?
I guess time will tell, although it seems our priorities are a new striker an right-winger before all else.
