Manchester United have been linked with signing OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo recently and the Frenchman could prove to be the next Raphael Varane at Old Trafford.

Reports have suggested that the Red Devils are keen on signing the former Barcelona defender this summer after his impressive performances in Ligue 1 last season, although they will need to battle Newcastle United for his signature.

It is no surprise to see United being linked with a multitude of centre-backs this summer after they conceded 57 goals in the top-flight last season, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all enduring disappointing seasons.

Varane probably had high hopes when he made the move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid but struggled in his debut campaign, making 22 appearances in the Premier League and averaging a 6.78 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, you don't win four Champions League trophies and the World Cup if you aren't a top-quality player, and United fans will be hoping to see much better from the 29-year-old next season.

If ten Hag can sign a competent centre-back partner for the France international, then their defensive record will surely improve, and Todibo's form last season suggests that he could be the ideal man.

The 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £18m, was part of a Nice defence that conceded the joint fewest goals in Ligue 1, with his performances in the French top-flight earning him a 6.87 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The website suggests that Todibo's main strengths are his passing and concentration, which immediately marks him out as a strong modern centre-back, who would arguably be an upgrade on United's current error-prone options.

Given that Todibo, like Varane, is a strong, quick French centre-back who is adept at progressing the ball, the defensive "phenomenon" could be an ideal partner for the former Real Madrid man at Old Trafford next season and will no doubt be looking to emulate the 29-year-old's impressive career.

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