Southampton wanted to take Jean-Clair Todibo in the winter market, but the Barcelona defender ended up joining Schalke on loan.
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a financial crisis at the Bundesliga club, which is why they will not be able to make his transfer permanent.
Friday’s edition of Sport claims the centre-back is a ‘gold mine’ for the La Liga winners and has ‘firm proposals’ from the Premier League. The offers received are in excess of €25m plus variables.
The Saints get a mention and it’s stated they are still in the ‘bidding’ for the Frenchman.
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side are negotiating for the 20-year-old’s transfer and the Catalan club’s initial idea was to sell him to the highest bidder. However, they could consider including Todibo a part of a swap deal to sign other players.
Barca are keen on Lautaro Martínez, while Inter Milan love Todibo. The defender could be included as a part of the operation that would see the Argentine move the other way.
Sport’s report claims the Nerazzurri option is appreciated a lot by the Spanish champions, but Southampton still have a hope because Barcelona have not closed the door on anything.
The Blaugrana leaders have been told by Todibo’s new representative that their camp would have a final say on which club the player will join in the summer.
