Liverpool rival Man Utd for French star

Tom Weber

• 23 Jun 2023 18:27 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool are ready to rival Manchester United for the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo, according to French media.

The Reds are in for a summer of significant upheaval. Many of the players that once starred for Jurgen Klopp are past their peak, and several of them have already been moved on. The likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino have left Anfield, leaving some holes that need filling.

The midfield is the biggest area of concern and Alexis Mac Allister has already been signed in order to remedy that. More incomings are expected to arrive in that position, too. Among them is Khephren Thuram. The Nice star has already agreed personal terms with the Reds, but a move has stalled in recent times.

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Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke remain keen on the player, and they could also look to one of his teammates for a further bolstering of their squad.

Defensive reinforcements

According to Nice Matin, Liverpool are eyeing a move for Jean-Clair Todibo. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Liverpool are in the market for a young centre-back, so it is unsurprising that they would look at the Frenchman.

Though he doesn't quite fit the profile of player that Liverpool were said to be looking for - they reportedly want a left-footer, perhaps to be a long-term successor to left-sided centre-back Virgil van Dijk - he would be a good option, having developed exceptionally well since his nightmare spell with Barcelona ended.

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A right-footer who mostly features as a right centre-back, Todibo has also recently been the subject of links with Manchester United. The Red Devils would reportedly look to him should they sell Harry Maguire.

Another central defender whom Liverpool are looking at is Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven, who has revealed that he would cherish the opportunity to play in the Premier League. The left-footer would perhaps be a more natural successor to Van Dijk than Todibo.