Sir Jim Ratcliffe slams UEFA's 'UNFAIR' block on signing of Jean-Clair Todibo for Man United from Nice - the club he owns

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Racliffe continues his battle with UEFA after revealing they have blocked a potential new signing from the Red Devils.

Ratcliffe, owner of Ligue 1 club Nice and a minority shareholder in United, which runs football operations, had clashed with his clubs’ participation in the Europa League next season.

Multi-club ownership is a topic that has received attention from UEFA in recent months, and the rules state that an owner cannot have two clubs in the same competition.

It is expected that Ratcliffe will have a season-long transition period to decide how he wishes to resolve the issues, with various reports emerging over whether he will sell Nice or place them in a blind trust.

The British billionaire revealed in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, alongside a brutal criticism of United, that an attempt to transfer a player from Nice to United was blocked on suspicion the player was defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured) has criticized UEFA after blocking Manchester United’s transfer for Jean-Clair Todibo.

United are looking to sign a centre-back and had considered bringing in Todibo (pictured) from Nice

The defender would have been United’s first signing since they decided Erik Ten Hag would stay on as manager.

“They said we could sell him to another Premiership club,” Ratcliffe said. “But we can’t sell to Manchester United.

Click here to resize this module

“But it’s not fair to the player and I don’t see the point.”

United are in the market for a centre-back this summer and are linked with a move for Todibo, who impressed for Nice in France and has been tipped to join a heavy hitter in Europe.

The 24-year-old is believed to have been high on United’s shortlist of targets, but a deal now appears virtually impossible this summer due to UEFA rules.

According to Fabrizio Romano, discussions between the two clubs over a potential transfer were at an advanced stage, with the defender becoming the first signing since the club decided that Erik ten Hag would stay on as coach.

Todibo admitted he was open to a Premier League move and United were expected to go through the formalities easily thanks to Ratcliffe’s Nice connection.

Asked about a possible move to Old Trafford this summer, Todibo exclusively told Mail+: “It’s nice to hear all the compliments. I try to stay focused on my game and my teammates, but I am of course open to playing in the Premier League.

“I’ll keep this to myself!” Good try.’

The transfer was blocked due to Ratcliffe’s ownership of Nice, with Todibo open to a transfer.

United will now turn their attention elsewhere, with a recent bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite rejected.

Ratcliffe, 71, is now ready to pursue other goals. As reported by Mail Sport, United have seen a £43million bid for highly-rated Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite rejected.

It is understood that United offered a fixed figure of £35m with an additional £8m added, but this was deemed unacceptable by the Toffees.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also continuing talks with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has a £33.7million buyout clause written into his contract.