The move by English Premier League (EPL) side Nice to sign talented French defender Jean-Clair Todibo from League 1 club Nice is currently off due to UEFA rules.
Todibo, 24, was a long-time target of the Red Devils, but it seems doubtful that they will sign him because a directive last month forbade clubs with dual club ownership from exchanging players.
Reports say talks were advanced with all parties keen for months but Nice and Man Utd with the same ownership playing the same European competition next season means no green light.
Manchester United has been informed that UEFA will obstruct the sale because of the ownership arrangement between the two teams, therefore ending Todibo’s hopes of playing in the Premier League.
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It has long been known that the Red Devils are interested in signing Todibo. But because Ratcliffe owns both clubs, they won’t be able to sign him or anybody else from OGC Nice.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of United, is not at all satisfied with UEFA’s decision to prevent Manchester United from acquiring the young French centre-back from OGC Nice.
He gave the following explanation in an interview with Bloomberg: “They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can’t sell to Manchester United. However, I don’t think that benefits the player in any way, and it’s unfair.’’
