Man United’s swoop for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo ‘is OFF due to UEFA rules’ – with deal collapsing ‘over both clubs sharing INEOS ownership’

Manchester United‘s pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is currently off due to the two clubs’ shared ownership, according to a new report.

United, who recently decided to retain Erik ten Hag as manager after conducting a wide-sweeping end of season review, are determined to recruit a new centre back.

Todibo is believed to have featured prominently on their shortlist of targets but a deal now appears all but impossible this summer as a result of the UEFA rulebook.

INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, hold a stake in United and Nice, complicating their participation in European football and transfers between both clubs.

And although the two sides have been permitted to take part in the Europa League next campaign, it appears they have been denied the opportunity to conduct a deal.

Erik ten Hag is keen to recruit a new defender after surviving United’s end of season review

Journalist Fabrizio Romano, providing a bombshell update on the saga, claimed that it is unlikely the move is rekindled despite talks reaching an advanced stage. 

Romano posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘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 United with same ownership playing same European competition next season means no green light.’

United’s interest in Todibo stretches back to last summer but a swoop for the 24-year-old did not materialise after Harry Maguire’s move to West Ham collapsed.

Todibo admitted he was open to a Premier League switch and it was expected that United would wrap up the formalities with ease due to Ratcliffe’s Nice connection.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group hold ownership at both United and Nice, complicating the deal

Todibo admitted he was open to a Premier League switch but United now look out…