09 August 2023 , 22:41
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Erik ten Hag's next big transfer target has been lauded by one of his own teammates.
After a summer of speculation, Harry Maguire is nearing a move away from Manchester United after the club agreed a £30 million deal with West Ham. Personal terms are yet to be finalised, but the ex-club captain is now keen on a move having been told he doesn't feature in Ten Hag's first team plans.
United have responded by drawing up a four-man shortlist of possible replacements. And the leading candidate is Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, with the two clubs having held initial talks over a potential move.
Todibo, 23, is yet to be capped at international level but was called up to the France squad by Didier Deschamps in March. And fellow Nice defender Dante has now conceded that whilst the club want him to stay, the issue is a complex one.
“Of course we’d like Todibo to stay, but it can be complicated," he said in a press conference. "We’ll have to wait and see who will want to buy him and if everyone finds themselves (in a deal). He’s a leader, a very good player mentally. He’s progressed a lot and he’s ready to get to the next level.”
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The glowing appraisal is clearly one that Ten Hag agrees with. But he is far from his only transfer consideration, with Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi all being tracked.
Jean-Clair Todibo could replace Harry Maguire at Manchester United (NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! How do you rate Erik ten Hag's work this summer? Comment below.
Indeed, a move for 2018 World Cup winner Pavard also appears on the cards. Sky Germany have dubbed the Red Devils as the 'favourites' to sign the player for around £26 million.
Pavard, 27, has voiced his intention to leave the Bundesliga champions and has previously been linked with Liverpool. But manager Thomas Tuchel remains keen to keep the player, given his pedigree and ability either as a centre back or a full back.
But having spent over £170 million already this summer, a much cheaper alternative also lies closer to home for the Dutch boss. He's considering handing Jonny Evans a shock one-year deal, with the Northern Irishman only initially returning to the club this summer to train and keep in good condition.