Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to facilitate the first major signing of Manchester United’s new era. Reportedly, £40 million will be earmarked for the acquisition of a French defender in January.

The British billionaire is set to acquire a 25 percent share in The Red Devils, with the partial takeover expected to be confirmed before United’s next match against Everton on Sunday, November 26.

Ratcliffe is anticipated to assume control of all sporting matters at the club, with a focus on overhauling United’s criticized recruitment process. Plans include a squad ‘reset,’ leading to potential departures in January, including Sancho and Martial.

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The latest update highlights the center-half position, suggesting Ratcliffe is unlocking the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo to address uncertainties in United’s current defensive lineup. Fabrizio Romano confirms United’s aim to sign a top-class center-half in 2024, with Todibo emerging as a potential target from Nice.

Ratcliffe holds the key to securing Todibo in a potential January deal, as Manchester United, led by manager Erik ten Hag, express a renewed interest in the 23-year-old center-back.

Despite exploring a move for Todibo in the summer, United was unable to proceed due to their inability to offload Maguire. The Mirror now reports that Ten Hag is prioritizing the acquisition of a center-back in January, and Ratcliffe’s connection to Nice through the INEOS group may play a pivotal role in facilitating a deal for Todibo.

An important consideration revolves around Premier League clubs voting on the potential prohibition of loan moves between ‘associated clubs.’ However, in the case of Todibo, Man Utd is looking to secure him outright, not through a loan arrangement, making a January deal feasible.

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The reported £40 million could be sufficient to bring Todibo to Old Trafford, with the player showcasing impressive form for an unbeaten Nice in Ligue 1.

Nice has maintained a remarkable defensive record, conceding just four goals in 12 Ligue 1 matches, and Todibo has been a key figure in 11 of those matches. Additionally, it’s noted that Todibo’s former club Barcelona is set to receive 20 percent of the transfer fee through a sell-on clause.