Khephren Thuram’s Nice are yet to lose a game in Ligue 1 this season (Photo: Getty)
Mikael Silvestre has named three French stars Sir Jim Ratcliffe should look to sign once he completes his partial takeover of Manchester United.
The British billionaire is set to buy a 25% stake of the club and take control of football operations, overseeing their transfer policy and recruitment.
As such, there is much anticipation and speculation over who United could sign when the transfer window re-opens in January, especially as the side need some fresh blood after a dismal start to the season.
United are sixth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City, bottom of their Champions League group and out of the Carabao Cup.
Erik ten Hag’s team have problems in all areas – an injury-prone defence, disjoined midfield and misfiring forward line.
Former United defender Silvestre believes three players currently based in Ligue 1 could remedy some of these issues, and two of them are well-known to Ratcliffe as they play for the INEOS owned Nice.
‘[Khephren] Thuram and [Jean-Clair] Todibo definitely have the level to play for Man Utd. And I’m sure they’re on the radar and they will be scrutinised,’ he told Bettingexpert.com.
Jean-Clair Todibo has been on Man Utd’s radar since the summer (Photo: Getty)
‘They will probably be put forward because it will be an easy and sensible transition and will make sense for INEOS to get the best scouting reports on these two players specifically.
‘They’re quality players. Both French internationals. Todibo is having a very good season. Khephren Thuram, a little bit less this season compared to last but still a quality midfielder.’
Todibo is player who was on United’s radar before Ratcliffe’s involvement, but ultimately they didn’t make a move for the centre-back last summer as they were unable to sell Harry Maguire.
Man Utd are keeping tabs on Youssouf Fofana (Photo: Getty)
Another star Silvestre recommends is Youssouf Fofana, who United are reportedly keeping tabs on, but they’ll have to move fast to get him with PSG and Juventus also interested in the Monaco man.
‘Every club could have moved for Youssouf Fofana early in the summer. I know he was available as he has two years left on his contract,’ Silvestre added.
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‘He could have been a potential midfielder for Man Utd then. He has a bit more physical presence than Fred had for instance, but the club decided to sign [Sofyan] Amrabat instead of Fofana. We know it was a reaction to the early start of the season.
‘Fofana is ticking a lot of boxes to play as a defensive midfielder for a Premier League team and Man United could definitely be his next move, for sure.’
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Two of them play for the Ratcliffe owned Nice.