Man Utd holds the transfer advantage over Liverpool, and Jim Ratcliffe might thwart Jürgen Klopp’s “$49 million target.”

In a rumoured $49 million transfer war with rival Liverpool, Manchester United could have a significant advantage thanks to new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

According to reports, Liverpool will face off against two formidable Premier League opponents for the acquisition of France’s Jean-Clair Todibo, a center-back for Nice, in 2024. Ange Postecoglou, Erik ten Hag, and Jürgen Klopp are all looking for a new center-back, therefore Spurs has joined the battle along with the Reds and Manchester United.

Spurs are willing to compete with United and Liverpool for Todibo because, according to The Evening Standard, they are “desperate” to bolster their defence in January and have made the position their “top priority.” However,’some of the top clubs in Europe’ are prepared to compete as well, so the interest is not limited to England.

Before leaving for the south of France, the 23-year-old spent two years at Barcelona, and a price tag of approximately $49 million (£39 million/€45 million) has already been established for him. Since then, he has made 114 appearances for Nice and, in September, he made his complete debut for his country against Germany.

Significantly, a deal to buy a 25% share in United from the Glazer family is about to be finalised by British tycoon Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose company, INEOS, already controls Nice. Ratcliffe is anticipated to take over the club’s football operations, including recruitment, as part of the $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion/€1.5 billion) deal, thus rumours of a move for Todibo could not be unfounded (via Sky Sports).

According to Liverpool.com, considering Ratcliffe’s ties to Nice, the Red Devils will practically be a part of a multi-club model when he starts working for United. This can facilitate easier player trade, as we’ve seen with Manchester City and its City Football Group, for instance, but everyone involved must still abide by the regulations.

Thus, United has a distinct advantage, but it’s understandable why Liverpool and Todibo’s other admirers won’t give up easily. This season, he has started 11 of the 13 games for Nice, a club that has remarkably allowed just four goals in Ligue 1, the fewest of any team in the top five leagues in Europe.

He not only plays for an almost unbeatable defensive team but also provides excellent value when in control, ranking among the top 10 in touches (1,068), progressive running distance (2,329 yards), and progressive passing distance (6,127 yards). Elite clubs will be very drawn to all of those qualities.

After the season, Liverpool may lose Joël Matip, who is out of contract, therefore they will need to find a long-term player to start alongside Ibrahima Konate in place of the ageing Virgil van Dijk. Todibo wants to be a starting XI player, but convincing him to join this term could be difficult given the report’s assertion that he wants to increase his prospects of playing a major role for France in the European Championships. Furthermore, despite Francesco Fariolo’s team trailing PSG by just one point at the top of the table, he does not believe that there is a “rush” to leave Nice.

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Klopp was concerned that against Man City, two important Liverpool players might have suffered significant injuries.

After coming from behind to earn a draw with Manchester City on Saturday, Liverpool left the Etihad Stadium with a point.

Trent Alexander-Arnold responded with a long-range striker in the second half of play, but Erling Haaland gave the Premier League champions the lead in the first.

The point drops the pair to first and second in the standings, but it gives Arsenal a chance to take the lead on Saturday night if they defeat Brentford.

Although the outcome will please Jurgen Klopp more than the other manager, the German coach might have lost two important players in the process.

Diogo Jota appeared to have a muscle injury when he left the pitch after 54 minutes of play in the second half. After the full-time whistle, Alisson was seen hobbling after going down with a hamstring injury later in the match.

After the game, Klopp discussed the injuries with Sky Sports, stating that Jota might miss some time due to a muscle ailment and that he will have to wait and see how his goalie is doing.

Although the Brazilian international is one of Liverpool’s most reliable players, Klopp is devastated by Alisson’s departure. The Reds do, however, have a backup for the attacker