Liverpool was extensively linked with a bid for Nice midfielder Khéphren Thuram during the summer transfer window, but no deal transpired.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (through the Born n’ Red YouTube channel), the Reds held ‘discussions’ about a prospective deal, but finally concluded it was ‘too expensive’ in terms of the transfer fee and wage expectations.

Liverpool’s number eight ranks appear to be closing after signings for Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, who joined the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, so Thuram may not make his move to Anfield.

Liverpool, on the other hand, should take notice of his teammate, who set a new Ligue 1 record in his side’s 1-0 win over Metz on Saturday.

According to Opta Jean, center-back Jean-Clair Todibo touched the ball 188 times throughout the game, the most since the company began collecting data in 2006/07.

After the game, manager Francesco Farioli hailed it a ‘great’ performance, but Todibo also broke former PSG player Thiago Motta’s record for passes attempted with an astonishing 181, completing 165 of them (via GFFN).

As you might expect with such remarkable numbers, Todibo ranks extremely high in ball-playing measures, making him appear to be the ideal modern defender. His record aggregate of touches at the weekend moved him up to seventh in the Ligue 1 records this season (681), while he is eighth in overall progressive passing distance at 4,010 yards and fourth in progressive carrying distance (1,610 yards). Todibo, in summary, can begin attacks from deep areas with incisive passing or move the ball forward into the danger zone himself, and he’s crucial in Nice’s build-up.

According to Romano (via GFFN), he’s already piqued the interest of Manchester United, which has classified him as a possible target for 2024 (both January and summer) after a fruitless chase last summer. United were interested in signing the Frenchman, but any deal was reliant on Harry Maguire leaving the club, which he chose not to do.

One disadvantage for Liverpool is that Todibo isn’t left-footed, which is a profile it currently lacks among its possibilities, although he checks several other boxes. He’s in the prime age bracket at 23, and despite emerging as one of Europe’s most brilliant young center-backs, he’s unlikely to earn a top-tier fee.

The recognition from France manager Didier Deschamps, who gave him a senior debut during the last international break after Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté withdrew due to injury, may marginally improve his value. He’s also been called up as a late replacement for Arsenal’s William Saliba, perhaps giving Liverpool the opportunity to see him play alongside Konaté against either the Netherlands or Scotland.

Liverpool should join United in the trade race after Maguire caused a postponement, addressing the impending need for a center-half as Jol Matip’s contract expires in 2024.