Man Utd leading Spurs in race to sign French star

Manchester United are reportedly leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this winter.

The Red Devils were keen on landing the France international last summer, but did not have the funds to afford his signature.

They are planning to make a renewed approach in January, considering the extra investment expected through Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The British billionaire is set to secure a minority stake of 25 per cent at United and he will take control of the sporting operations.

He will back manager Erik ten Hag with transfer funds for January and United are being fancied to land Todibo ahead of Spurs.

Ratcliffe is also the majority shareholder at Nice. This should make a transaction for the player easy, provided their demands are met.

Todibo should have the assurance of a starting role with manager Erik ten Hag having dropped Raphael Varane from his first-team plans.

The World Cup winner has not started for the Red Devils for several weeks.