Man United agree NOT to sign any players from French side Nice – who are also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – until late 2025… with Red Devils’ move for Jean-Clair Todibo officially over

Manchester United have agreed not to sign any players from French side Nice – who are also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – until September 2025.

The agreement comes after UEFA allowed for Man United and Man City to play in European competitions next season alongside their sister clubs. 

There were concerns over multi-club ownership with UEFA rules previously stating that two clubs with the same ownership couldn’t play in the same competition in the same season. 

The governing body have since confirmed that they will be allowed to compete together however have ruled that clubs cannot ‘transfer players to each other’ until next year.

In a statement, UEFA said: ‘Furthermore, as additional evidence of their independence, the concerned clubs committed to the following.

The Red Devils had been exploring a potential deal for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo

‘The clubs will not transfer players to each other, whether Post permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025, with the exception of pre-existing transfer agreements that had been entered into before the opening of the CFCB proceedings;

‘The clubs will not conclude any kind of cooperation, joint technical or commercial agreements between each other; and the clubs will not use any joint scouting or player database’.

United had long-been eyeing up a potential move for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo as they look to bolster their defensive reinforcements this summer. 

However, last month, Ratcliffe revealed in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg that an attempt to transfer a player from Nice to United has been blocked, with it suspected that the player was Todibo. 

‘They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club,’ Ratcliffe said. ‘But we can’t sell to Manchester United.

‘But that’s not fair on the player and I don’t see what that achieves.’

Todibo previously admitted he was open to a Premier League switch and it was expected that United would wrap up the formalities with ease due to Ratcliffe’s Nice connection.

Quizzed on a potential move to Old Trafford this summer, Todibo exclusively told Mail+: ‘It’s nice to hear all the compliments. I’m trying to stay focused on my game and my team-mates – but for sure I am open to playing in the Premier League.

‘I’m going to keep that for me! Nice try.’

Erik ten Hag has turned his attention to other defensive targets after reaching the agreement

Ratcliffe, 71, is now set to pursue other targets – with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt leading the way, as the club prepare to offer him a five-year deal. 

West Ham are pondering a fresh bid for Nice centre back Jean-Clair Todibo after their offer of £25.4million was rejected. 

New boss Julen Lopetegui is believed to be keen to strengthen his backline, having officially started work as David Moyes’ successor earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Wolves defender Max Kilman has headed for a medical with West Ham as they close on agreement for his £40million transfer.