Aston Villa join Man Utd in race for Ligue 1 star as Nottingham Forest set to beat Wolves to 16-goal ace

Aston Villa have become the latest club to join the race to sign highly-rated Ligue 1 defender Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice.

That’s according to reports from French sports outlet L’Equipe, which claim that the Villains are big fans of the 24-year-old defender who has hinted that he is seeking a move away from Allianz Riviera after five successful seasons in the South of France.

Todibo made 30 appearances for Nice last term and produced an array of impressive performances as the team finished fifth in the Ligue 1 table with the best defensive record in the division - conceding just 29 times in 34 games.

However, despite his stellar performances Nice were unable to qualify for the Champions League and Tobido was snubbed from the final French squad for Euro 2024. In his most recent interview at the end of the campaign, Tobido hinted that he is keen to play Champions League football which is something Aston Villa could offer.

“I want to win titles and play in the best European competitions. Those are my objectives. I’d also like to go to a club that will allow me to become better, to allow me to progress on an individual level. That’s what interests me,” said Todibo told Get French Football News.

He added: “I am open to joining any league honestly. I watch more or less every league and each one could appeal to me. I’m not fixated in terms of what league to join. Could I flourish in the Premier League? Yeah, I think so and I think I could flourish in any league. Is there a possibility that my chances correspond best with the Premier League? There is a chance, yes.” 

Manchester United and Napoli have both been credited with interest in the defender, who is valued at around £51m, but Villa are only one of those three competing in Europe’s elite competition next term.

Wolves could miss out on top striker target as Nottingham Forest swoop in

Nottingham Forest are set to gazump Wolves in the battle to sign Scotland striker Che Adams, according to reports from TalkSport. The 27-year-old forward, who helped Southampton to promotion with 16 league goals last term, is currently a set to be free agent when his contract with the Saints runs out this month, although the club have said talks are continuing with the player.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil stated earlier in the season Wolves do not have a lot of funds at their disposal this summer, with Adams seen as an attractive option due to him costing nothing from July 1.

However, Nottingham Forest have reportedly swooped in and offered the forward a more lucrative package as they aim to bolster the level of competition for Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi next term.

Wolves have been keeping tabs on the striker for a number of months and may still return to the table with a new and improved offer in the coming weeks.