Manchester United forced to evade Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo due to multi-club ownership – Paper Round

Manchester United faces a massive obstacle in their hunt for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

According to The Athletic, Ineos is unlikely to allow a deal to happen as it holds stakes in both sides.

“United and Nice, the Ligue 1 club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS company, have qualified for the Europa League and are now waiting to hear whether they will both be allowed to take part in next season’s competition.

“UEFA regulations do not allow any organisation or individual to exercise ‘decisive influence’ over the activities of more than one club in the same competition. Ratcliffe also owns a 27.7 per cent stake in United.

“Both clubs had until 3 June to provide UEFA with evidence that they are complying with the rules and are now awaiting the verdict of an independent body on the matter.

“Todibo has been considered by United as a potential transfer target as they prioritise signing a centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane.”

According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa have agreed to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.

However, the newspaper says that the club has not yet succeeded in persuading the player to move.

“Chelsea have given Villa permission to speak to Maatsen, who is with the Dutch national team at the European Championships.

“Holland is expected to allow the defender to speak to Villa remotely via video call, with head coach Unai Emery hoping to complete a deal.

“Maatsen spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he was keen to stay, but the German club have so far indicated he is unable to match Chelsea’s value.

“Chelsea remain in talks to sign striker Jhon Duran from Villa, but also have other targets in that position, including Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid and Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.”

Chelsea want to sign striker Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, but his offer has been rejected.

The Evening Standard says an offer of £30 million was not enough.

“The Spanish Under-21 star, who has yet to play a game for Atletico’s first team, was on loan at Alaves last season and fits Chelsea’s profile.

“At 1.90m tall, Omorodion has an impressive profile. He scored eight goals in La Liga last season as Babazorros finished in the top half in their first season back in the top flight.

“Atletico have apparently rejected an offer from the Blues of around £30m and are determined to keep hold of one of their most valuable young talents.

“Chelsea are still interested in Aston Villa’s Colombian striker Jhon Duran and are believed to be in talks with the Birmingham club over a possible transfer.”

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is unlikely to get the job at Leicester City.

According to a report in the Sun, Steve Cooper, the coach of Nottingham Forest, is now in the running for the job.

“The former Chelsea manager agreed terms with the Foxes this week and discussed the replacement of the backroom staff.

“Despite the confidence of both parties that a formal agreement was imminent, doubts arose overnight and the promoted club resumed talks with Steve Cooper.

“The former manager of Leicester’s rivals Nottingham Forest held talks with the club earlier this summer, but Potter was considered the favourite to succeed Enzo Maresca.

“Talks with the 49-year-old had dragged on, causing frustration among Leicester’s owners, who are now negotiating terms with Cooper.”