Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to take extreme step to bring talented defender to Manchester United

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly hired a lawyer to help secure the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice.

The Red Devils remain in the market to bring in three key signings at the very least, one of which will be aimed at plugging the hole in their central defence.

The Old Trafford outfit has already been pursuing several targets for this position, including Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro. However, the most affordable and doable signing for United will be that of Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.

But the one thing blocking the Manchester club’s route to the Frenchman’s services isn’t the lack of money or desire, but adherence to UEFA rules.

Manchester United hoping a lawyer unlocks their Todibo pursuit

With INEOS owning both Manchester United and OGC Nice, coupled with the fact that both teams will be playing in the Europa League next season, UEFA rules strictly block any transfer between the two clubs.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently discussed this rule with the media as well, expressing how he thinks this is “not fair on the player”, who is open to making the switch to Old Trafford.

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Still keen to bring Todibo to Manchester, INEOS have now hired Swiss lawyer Gianpaolo Monteneri to help them out, reports Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Monteneri will reportedly present Manchester United’s case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and contest the regulations in place, hoping to convince them to allow the French defender to complete this dream transfer.

A favourable outcome appears unlikely, but it still appears to be worth a shot, at least from INEOS’ point of view.