Liverpool are currently favourites to snap up Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Nice Matin.

The local French newspaper claims the Reds have an “advantage” over Manchester United and other clubs trying to secure the 24-year-old’s services.

Todibo is “very close” to Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, and that could lead him to favour a move to Anfield if the Merseysiders do enter the race to sign him.

Both players were born in Paris and came through the youth system at the same time, so the pair know each other very well.

Nice Matin also says that Todibo could well be paired with Konate, as Liverpool look to bring in a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

4 Premier League teams are interested in Todibo

It is believed that Tottenham and Newcastle could join Liverpool and United in pursuing the France international’s signature. Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in recent weeks.

That level of competition means any extra edge could prove crucial in the battle for Todibo and the link to Konate may end up being all-important.

Liverpool will have to spend a sizeable sum if they want the player

Spurs entered talked with Nice for Todibo earlier this month but they quickly ran into difficulties over the centre-half’s asking price and backed out of negotiations.

Reports suggest that the Frenchman is valued at around €60m (£52m). That may not deter the Reds from making an offer for the defender. Alternative targets, such as Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi could end up costing just as much.

It is still doubtful that a bid for Todibo will be lodged during the January transfer window but it is a move to look out for ahead of the summer.

Watch a preview of Liverpool’s plans for the January transfer window on Shots!TV here