Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano believes Manchester United may buy a new international defender this summer for as little as £40 million.

Man Utd want a new defender.
As they get ready for their first summer at Old Trafford under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils have added Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and Southampton’s Jason Wilcox as technical director.

Dan Ashworth of Newcastle United is most likely the next person to join the board as sports director, since Ashworth and Wilcox intend to change the United team’s “spine” this summer.

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With Harry Maguire and holding midfielder Casemiro starting at the back for United against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final this past weekend, a new center-back is needed to do that.

According to reports, United is pressing to reach an early summer agreement with Everton because they view the Toffees’ Jarrad Branthwaite as their “long-term answer” at Old Trafford and as a “top target.” But as Romano says, there are other targets besides the Englishman.

Romano claims Todibo to Manchester United
Speaking to The United Stand, as reported by United in Focus, Romano named three options: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Gleison Bremer of Juventus, and Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice. The former may be available for £40 million.

I would constantly bringing up Jean-Clair Todibo as a less expensive choice. I’ve heard that it may be worth up to £40 million. Gleison Bremer, on the other hand, has a release clause that expires in the summer of 2025, but Juventus is ready to talk to him this summer only in case money is offered.

Danny Bosco Spurs Premier League Nice Levy
“I would keep a watch on other possible names. For instance, Edmond Tapsoba is a player that Bayer Leverkusen has been watching for a while, but I believe he will be quite pricey. In order to determine which player they truly want, Manchester United is evaluating a variety of profiles, and the manager will be crucial.

Todibo and United had previously been connected, and there have reportedly been discussions between the 24-year-old’s representation and United. Romano also stated last year that Todibo would like moving to Old Trafford. Given Ratcliffe’s ties to Nice, the defender—who has been watched by Manchester United for a while—may find it easy to make the transfer.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig described Todibo as “high quality” last year, so should a deal occur, United might be acquiring a France international who has been a regular for Nice for maybe half the money that it may cost to get Branthwaite.