According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United and Liverpool were two of the teams that sent scouts to observe Jean Clair Todibo, a standout player for Nice.
In the Premier League standings, United and Liverpool are in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with the battle for Champions League qualifying expected to be close.
The competing clubs, though, seem to be engaged in rivalry off the field as well.
For Saturday's 2-1 victory over Rennes by Nice, United, Liverpool, and Newcastle United scouts traveled to France to watch Todibo play, according to Romano.
The center-back has played in four European leagues since graduating from the Toulouse academy in 2018 after stints at Barcelona, Schalke, Benfica, and now Nice.
The 23-year-old has made an impression this season, appearing in 30 of Nice's 33 Ligue 1 games, and his performances have caught the attention of some of the most wealthy Premier League clubs.
Todibo, who would cost about €45 million (£39 million), reportedly has interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
The transfer guru tweeted: "Understand Newcastle, Manchester Utd and Liverpool scouts were in attendance at Nice-Rennes game to monitor Jean Clair Todibo.
"French centre back could get top club move in the summer — with price tag understood to be around €45million."
Romano added on his YouTube channel: “In the Premier League we have to keep an eye on Jean-Clair Todibo. The centre-back from Nice, former Barcelona player is doing very well."
"In the last game there were three Premier League teams on a mission to follow Todibo - Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool. All three of these clubs are monitoring the player and keeping an eye on the player as a potential option for the summer."
Meanwhile, According to rumors, Manchester United would have to pay £70 million if they want to acquire FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer.
Following David de Gea's error against West Ham, United's goalkeeping strategies have once more come under scrutiny. The 32-year-old's current contract is slated to expire this summer, therefore he is in negotiations for a new one.
Ten Hag is rumored to be interested in signing another goalkeeper this summer, whether De Gea stays at Old Trafford or not, with Dean Henderson expected to go and Jack Butland, who is on loan from Crystal Palace, set to return. Additionally, Football Insider claims that interest in Costa has grown.
This season, Ten Hag's staff has been keeping an eye on the 23-year-old, who has impressed them on numerous scouting excursions. They are considering moving this summer, although the article adds that any such transfer would require a huge £70 million bid for the goalkeeper, who has a contract with Porto through 2027.
Rafael Leao, a former United target, has reportedly signed a new five-year contract with AC Milan, putting an end to the Reds' and other teams' interest in him.
Along with other teams in Europe, it is believed that United has long admired Leao, a Portugal international who is coming off a standout season with Milan. His prior deal was set to end in 2024, and clubs were on high alert and looking into the possibilities of a summer transfer.
Leao's play on the wing was crucial to Milan's reemergence as one of the best teams in Italy and Europe, thus they had always fought tooth and nail to keep him at the San Siro for the long haul.
The 23-year-old has 32 Serie A appearances this season and has contributed 12 goals and 7 assists; as a result, he has been offered a new, long-term contract.
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