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A UEFA rule has allegedly stopped Manchester United from moving for a top target – now a Premier League rival is set to take advantage.
Erik ten Hag, 54, has been given the thumbs up to stay on at Old Trafford next season following a two-week end-of-season review.
Man Utd look set for disappointment in their bid to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice[/caption]
He faced months of uncertainty amid the club’s dismal Premier League and European campaign but his FA Cup victory over Man City has saved him.
New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe performed a dramatic U-turn by not only sticking with Ten Hag but then also opening talks on a new deal with the United boss.
Even Ten Hag admitted he knew United had held talks with Thomas Tuchel in a process that was “forbidden” in his homeland but now that is being put behind them as United look for reinforcements.
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, 24, emerged as one of their top transfer targets.
The two-time capped France international has been in talks for months over a summer switch.
However, the fact that Nice are also owned by Ratcliffe and Ineos has scuppered that prospect.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Jean-Clair Todibo deal for Man United is currently off and highly unlikely due to UEFA rules.
“Talks were advanced with all parties keen for months but Nice and Man Utd with same ownership playing same European competition next season means no green light.”
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Now Foot Mercato have claimed that another Premier League side are now looking set to sign the ace.
They state that Aston Villa seems to be the likeliest destination for Todibo.
There are also several other teams that are keen on the former Barcelona and Toulouse ace.
Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also interested.
Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus are another club that have entered the transfer chase for him.
The Serie A outfit have allegedly been engaged in talks with Todibo’s agent.
However, it looks like Unai Emery is winning the race to bolster his Aston Villa squad with the defender.
And that comes hot on the heels after reports emerged that Villa had agreed a deal to sign full-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
