Liverpool 'rival' Man Utd and Spurs for France defender

Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to one report.

The 23-year-old has impressed for OGC Nice this season, with his side trailing Paris Saint-Germain by just a point in Ligue 1 currently.

The centre back, who briefly played for Barcelona, also made his senior France debut this year and now has two caps for Didier Deschamps Les Bleus.

According to the Evening Standard, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are all interested in Todibo ahead of the January transfer window.

Focussing on Spurs' interest, the report claims that Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit side are 'ready to rival' Liverpool and United for the young defender, who would be available for £39m.

Both Tottenham and United have serious injury concerns at the back, meaning they are likely to be in the market for defensive reinforcements when the window re-opens in a month's time. Liverpool's own interest in strengthening their defence next year is well-known.

Anfield Watch has reported that the Reds are on the lookout for a left-sided centre back who can operate in Jurgen Klopp's new system that sees the side revert to a back three when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes into midfield.

Meanwhile, Joel Matip's expiring contract and Ibrahima Konate's availability issues may mean that more than one defensive acquisition is necessary for Liverpool in 2024.

Todibo – who is teammates of former Liverpool target Khephren Thuram – typically plays on the right-hand side of a back four for Nice and is right-footed, meaning he is an improbable priority target for Liverpool.

If the Reds do look to spend big in the market this January, it is more likely to be for a specialist left-sided option – particularly given Robertson's prolonged injury absence.

Elsewhere, the Reds have been regularly linked with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio and Benfica's Antonio Silva.