Todibo makes ‘mistake’ claim after Maguire’s failed £30m move ended Man Utd hope

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OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has opened up on his collapsed Manchester United transfer in the summer transfer window. United lined the Frenchman up as Harry Maguire’s potential replacement, but a move didn’t bloom before the deadline, and he remained at Nice.

Maguire was widely linked with an exit after plunging to fourth in Erik ten Hag’s centre-back pecking last season, starting just eight Premier League games.

The 30-year-old was destined for the exit door as West Ham United agreed a £30million deal, and United drew up a shortlist of possible successors.

But Maguire reportedly rejected United’s offer of a £6m contract pay-off, demanding £10m to join David Moyes at the London Stadium.

It prompted West Ham to move on in the centre-back search, ending Ten Hag’s hopes of recruiting a defender more suited to his philosophy.

Jean-Clair Todibo was claimed to be near the top of United’s list as a preferred option over Benjamin Pavard and Edmond Tapsoba.

And he recently revealed how he dealt with links to United, claiming he was carefully considering his options to prevent a career mistake.

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“I experienced it differently from my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth, thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm,” Todibo told L’Equipe.

“Reflection is much more important than when I started. I’m waiting to be presented with the complete project. What is expected of me? Why am I coming?

“You shouldn’t arrive at a club like that. I know what I have at Nice. Why go into the unknown? So, everything must be clear. My first transfer, I was 18 years old. The thinking was not as thorough.”

The 23-year-old was speaking with next summer’s Euro 2024 in mind, where he is eyeing a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad.

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Todibo earned his senior debut against Germany during the international break and will look to go from strength to strength this term.

He admits he considered pushing for a heavyweight move in the summer to boost his chances of making the cut.

Todibo added: “I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t have the thought to tell myself that perhaps I should play in a ‘top club’ to increase my chances [of playing for France], but there are also guarantees when playing at Nice.”

Maguire is unlikely to stick around if he’s on the periphery of Ten Hag’s squad again this season. And a United transfer may open up again for Todibo if the former moves on.

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