Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Lilywhites need more defensive depth in the squad, especially with Micky van de Ven sidelined with an injury and Eric Dier linked with an exit ahead of the January transfer window. So, signing a central defender appears to be one of the top priorities of the club next month.
According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with £35m-rated OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
A huge fan favourite at the Allianz Arena, Todibo, 23, has been a mainstay at the back for Nice this season, racking up 14 Ligue 1 appearances so far. The Frenchman was sent off in Nice’s 3-1 defeat to Le Havre on Sunday, leaving his side five points off leaders Paris St Germain.
However, that won’t deter suitors who have been impressed by his performances over the last 12 months, with Manchester United and Newcastle United also vying for the defender’s signature, the report adds.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has demanded Tottenham bring in three players during the upcoming winter transfer window. In addition to a midfielder and forward, he wants to recruit a centre-back as a priority with Eric Dier entering the last six months of his contract, Van de Ven injured and Cristian Romero often walking a tightrope with suspension.
Since Van de Ven got injured in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in November, Spurs have conceded 10 goals in six games. Ben Davies has deputised in the Dutchman’s absence as the left-sided centre-back and while has done well, surely he is not the answer going forward. Emerson Royal has been tried in central defence a couple of times but he hasn’t done enough to repay the manager’s faith.
A new powerful centre-back is the need of the hour to help Tottenham steady the ship, especially if the club decide to cash in on Dier next month. Jean-Clair Todibo, in that regard, would be a quality buy for Spurs.
Todibo had put his torrid Barcelona spell behind him and impressed last season, helping Nice concede the second-least amount of goals in Ligue 1 last season. The 23-year-old has continued his solid form this season as well, helping his team keep 10 clean sheets already.
The Frenchman has proven himself in Ligue 1, and he certainly has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League. The ex-Barcelona man could develop into a key player for Spurs in the years to come with experience and coaching. He would be a fantastic potential replacement for Dier, whilst helping Spurs secure Champions League qualification.
Jean-Clair Todibo is valued at £35 million but whether Spurs can afford such a sum in January remains to be seen.
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