Tottenham Hotspur have now held talks with Nice as they continue their pursuit of central defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Tottenham’s biggest transfer priority heading into the January window is no great surprise.
Spurs desperately need more depth at centre back to offer cover and competition for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Ben Davies is doing a fine job in place of Van de Ven but with Eric Dier not really suiting Ange Postecoglou’s approach, another signing is expected.
Tottenham have been linked with a host of centre backs but one name seems to be emerging towards the front of the queue…
Fabrizio Romano claims Jean-Clair Todibo to Tottenham talks after Tuesday hint
Reports earlier this week suggested that Tottenham had held talks with the representatives of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
That report suggested that a fee of around £35million could be enough to take Todibo away from Nice.
Fabrizio Romano now reports that talks are ‘now starting’ between Tottenham and Nice.
Romano claims that the deal is ‘not easy’ but Tottenham are trying to get this difficult deal done.
Romano verifies that Tottenham have also spoken to Todibo’s representatives to try and set up a January move.
The Italian hinted on Tuesday night that he had news about Tottenham’s centre back hunt, and Todibo was the man in question.
Nice don’t really want to lose their star defender in the middle of the season, especially as they enjoy a superb season under Francesco Farioli.
The lure of the Premier League – and some big money on offer from Tottenham – could give Spurs hope of a major move.
Todibo was a wonderkid in his Toulouse days, earning himself a big 2018 move to Barcelona.
It may have been too much, too soon; Todibo only played five games for Barca and struggled to get back on track with loan moves to Schalke and Benfica.
Nice came calling in 2021 and turned his loan move permanent, allowing him to settle down in France again and rediscover his best form.
The 23-year-old is now one of Ligue 1’s very best defenders and has picked up two France caps this year, summing up his rise since leaving Barcelona.
Todibo may now be ready for a big move again and we like his fit in Tottenham’s back line.
Todibo is a real presence at 6ft 3in but also has a turn of pace, something which has made Van de Ven so valuable in Ange Postecoglou’s daring approach.
Our only question would be; how does Todibo get into the team?
Romero and Van de Ven are a superb pairing when both are available and it would be hard for many centre backs to break that partnership.
Tottenham will see this as the next step towards building an impressive squad, not just a starting XI, but convincing Todibo to give up a starring role at Nice could be tricky.
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