Manchester United are chasing a new centre back this summer and could end up seeing one target sign for a Premier League rival.

Erik ten Hag heads into the summer transfer window with a number of positions needing some attention.

Centre back is likely to be a top priority with lingering issues in the heart of Manchester United’s back line.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have endured injury problems whilst Victor Lindelof is attracting interest from Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

United need to add at least one centre back this summer but a bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been rejected.

Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt now appears to be the top target for the United boss but only after one option was blocked from heading to Old Trafford.

West Ham United moving for Jean-Clair Todibo

Ever since Ineos came on board at Old Trafford, Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

Ineos own Nice and moving their star centre back to United seemed like a move which would seriously bolster Ten Hag’s options.

The former Barcelona talent has really kicked on with Nice and seems ready for a big move this summer.

Yet despite talks taking place over a move to United, UEFA have ruled that United simply aren’t allowed to sign Todibo.

In an effort to halt player trading between linked clubs in the same competition, UEFA have blocked United from signing Todibo from fellow Europa League side Nice.

That ruling has completely shut down the prospect of Todibo joining United – and it may mean he ends up with a Premier League rival.

L’Equipe report that West Ham United have launched a €35million (£30million) bid for Todibo, which Nice have rejected.

The Hammers may well return with another offer and could be in a position to unleash Todibo against United next season.

Ineos would loathe for that to become a reality but Todibo may push for a Premier League move and with United no longer a possibility, West Ham could be the next best option.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe frustration understandable

It’s fair to say that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not happy with the situation.

Ratcliffe aired his frustration with UEFA’s ruling in June, claiming that Todibo was ‘really interested’ in signing for United this summer.

UEFA have told Ineos that they can sell Todibo to any Premier League club except United.

However, Manchester City are able to sign Savio because, despite him firing Girona to the Champions League, he is officially a Troyes player and free to move on.

Troyes and Girona are inside the City Football Group but City are able to bring the Brazilian in without any issues from UEFA.

RB Leipzig have been regularly able to strike such deals in the past, taking Red Bull Salzburg players with regularity despite both featuring in the Champions League.

Those deals wouldn’t be possible now but the timing is so frustrating for United and City’s workarounds only make the situation feel worse.

Todibo wanted to join United but may now join West Ham instead; maybe he will end up at Old Trafford one day, but a things stand, it won’t be directly from Nice.

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