Sources: Major update on Tottenham and Jean-Clair Todibo deal

Tottenham are exploring a potential January move for OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo with preliminary talks underway, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed his side will be in the market for a new defender in the new year – insisting it is a “priority”.

But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that a deal for Todibo will not be easy to do.

Tottenham

Nice are in the midst of a Ligue 1 title race and are therefore reluctant to lose one of their best players mid-season.

The Cote d’Azur outfit are well-backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to take control of footballing operations at Man United in the coming weeks.

Football Insider has previously revealed (9 December) that Man United currently lead Tottenham in the race to sign Nice defender Todibo in January.

It is believed that Spurs could be priced out of a move for the France international in the new year.

Todibo has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 so far in the 2023-24 campaign, notching one assist.

He is under contract at Nice until June 2027 after penning a contract extension just last year (2022).

The ex-Barcelona star has racked up 117 total appearances for Nice – and has helped his side to second in Ligue 1 this season in their fight with Paris Saint-Germain for the title.

Tottenham

Tottenham are keen to add centre-back reinforcements in January after an injury to Micky van de Ven and the sale of Davinson Sanchez.

Postecoglou’s side sit fifth in the Premier League after their early-season promise was dampened by key injuries.

In other news, Tottenham ready to accept £20m midfielder offer as replacement lined up.