Aston Villa swing door 'wide open' in race for £21.3m Man Utd target who 'wants to leave'

Jean-Clair Todibo looks set to leave French Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice this summer and Villa are looking to take advantage as Unai Emery seeks to strengthen in defence.

The 24-year-old, who played 33 times for Nice across all competitions last campaign, has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd in recent weeks. The Red Devils are also targeting new defenders ahead of the upcoming transfer window, even with manager Erik ten Hag’s future still uncertain.

French publication L’Equipe reports Villa have become the latest club to express an interest in signing Todibo. It’s claimed Man Utd, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Napoli are also keen. Nice, who missed out on Champions League football by one place, are ready to sell for €25 million (£21.3 million).

Todibo has already admitted he wants to depart Nice for pastures new as he feels he’s reached a ceiling in the south of France. The former Barcelona man has ambitions of playing consistently in the Champions League and Europa League while also challenging for domestic trophies.

“I want to win titles and play in the best European competitions,” Todibo told Get French Football News just a few weeks ago. “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,” Todibo said.

With the interest in the defender hotting up, Villa must make a move quickly to ensure they have any chance of acquiring his services. There’s a problem, however, as Emery’s side must first sell before buying in order to stay in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Todibo outlines Premier League belief

Born in Cayenne but two times a senior France internatonal, Todibo is eager to challenge himself in several different divisions across Europe. With his representatives in touch with a host of clubs, the player has also decided to make a hint directly to potential Premier League suitors.

“I am open to joining any league honestly,” Todibo said. “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,” he continued.