According to Sky Sports writer Melissa Reddy, Manchester United has spoken with the lawyers for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Do Man United intend to hire Jean-Clair Todibo?

In Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana, the Red Devils have already completed three high-profile acquisitions this summer, but there may still be space for other additions before the September 1 deadline.

To move players on, including Harry Maguire, seems to be the focus ahead of the team’s Premier League opening against Wolves. After a deal was completed on Wednesday, the center-back now appears to be nearing a £30 million transfer to West Ham.

Erik ten Hag might be searching for a new defender to take Maguire’s place as a result. Todibo is one player who has been frequently mentioned in recent weeks.

After scouting the Frenchman and recently signed Chelsea player Axel Disasi, Fabrizio Romano said earlier in the transfer season that Man United were still keeping an eye on Todibo in preparation for a potential purchase. However, a fresh development has since emerged.

Following the announcement that Maguire would be moving to West Ham, Reddy joined X on Wednesday morning. The senior Sky Sports reporter claimed that the Red Devils “have done due diligence on several defenders” and have spoken with Todibo’s agents about a potential deal.

Should they be able to replace Harry Maguire, Manchester United has done its homework on a number of defenders, notably Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice.

To determine the specifics of a potential contract, discussions have been held with Todibo’s representatives.

Jean-Clair Todibo: how excellent is he?

The 23-year-old has played for Toulouse, Barcelona, FC Schalke, Benfica, and Nice during his career, and he seems to be thriving in France.

Todibo, a pure center-back who has played more than 100 times for his present club, is currently valued at a career-high €30 million by Transfermarkt.

Even German veteran Lothar Matthaus commended the player for being “incredibly calm” in the past.

The most outstanding centre defender I have recently seen is Todibo.

At age 20, he is remarkably composed and always comes up with creative ideas.

According to FBref, Todibo has received comparisons to Red Devils player Lisandro Martinez over the previous 12 months and performs well compared to his positional counterparts in a number of categories.

Todibo’s ability to play both on and off the ball is demonstrated by the fact that he rates in the top 5% of centre backs for successful take-ons while placing in the 90th percentile for tackles. He has also demonstrated excellence in passing forward and into the final third, and he ranks in the top 7% for dribblers tackled and the top 4% for ball recoveries.

With a busy season ahead, including Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, United may well look to use the money from Maguire’s £30 million move to the London Stadium to fund a move for Todibo. He could enter and challenge Martinez and Raphael Varane.