Tottenham face battle for Manchester United and Liverpool target Jean-Clair Todibo – Paper Round

Jean-Clair Todibo is a target for Tottenham, but the Evening Standard believes there will be competition from fellow Premier League sides Manchester United and Liverpool.

He could cost almost £40 million if he moves on in the winter transfer window.

“Spurs are desperate for defensive reinforcements and are ready to rival Manchester United and Liverpool for France international Todibo.

“The 23-year-old has impressed in a Nice side challenging Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 and is said to be available for around £39 million.

“Spurs have made a new centre-back their top priority in January but they are expected to face competition from some of the best clubs in Europe for Todibo.”

The Mirror reports that Manchester United could look at former Chelsea striker Timo Werner as an option to strengthen their front line.

The German struggled in his last spell in the Premier League, when he played for Chelsea before returning to the Bundesliga.

“Werner, 27, returned to RB Leipzig in August 2022 after two difficult seasons in the Premier League, during which he only scored 10 top-flight goals. Despite the German striker’s struggles, United have been tipped to bring him back to England once the January transfer window opens and he could end up being Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first signing.

“British tycoon Ratcliffe, a former Chelsea season ticket holder, is closing in on a £1.3billion deal to acquire a 25 percent stake in United which will give his petrochemicals company, INEOS, control of the club’s football operations. One of their first priorities is to improve the Red Devils’ recruitment on and off the pitch, although Werner would be a questionable start.”

Jota is an option for Tottenham as they look for a short-term solution to their shortage on the flanks.

Injuries to Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic have left the Londoners looking for reinforcements in the winter transfer window.

“Spurs’ priority is to bring in a centre-back in the winter window but they are also looking for short-term cover on the wing.

“That comes after injuries to Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic left manager “Ange Postecoglou short of attacking firepower.

“The forward spent two seasons working under Postecoglou for Celtic, scoring 28 and assisting 26 goals across all competitions.

“He initially arrived in Scotland on loan before the Hoops triggered his £6.5million buyout clause from Benfica at the start of last season.

“This summer, Jota signed for Al-Ittihad in a £25million deal, but he is now ineligible to play for the Saudi side.”

Chelsea forward Armando Broja is making his way back from injury, and fellow west Londoners Fulham could target the striker.

“Chelsea striker Armando Broja is a January target for Premier League neighbours Fulham,” the paper states.

“The Craven Cottage club are in the market for a forward after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal in August.

“They are admirers of Serhou Guirassy at Stuttgart but know they face plenty of competition for the in-form 27-year old so are assessing a number of options with Jonas Wind of Wolfsburg also on their radar.

“Broja is fit again after recovering from a serious knee injury and has made six appearances this season, including a start against Fulham where he scored in a 2-0 win.

“However, he still needs more game time to get into his stride and with Chelsea in the market for another striker this January, they will consider allowing Broja out on loan.”