Club sporting director deals major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of signing highly-rated 24-year-old

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Chelsea’s hopes of signing Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo have been dealt a huge blow after the French club made it clear the player is not available for sale.

Todibo is regarded as one of the most-talented young defenders in Europe at the moment, thanks to his brilliant form.

The centre-back’s displays are believed to be a major reason Nice have let in just 11 goals in the Ligue One all season.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been linked with a transfer for the 24-year-old this month, but Nice sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi has now insisted they have no plans of losing their best players midway through the season.

“Yes,” Ghisolfi replied reporters when asked whether Nice will try to resist attempts to sign Todibo and midfielder, Khephren Thuram.

“As we’ve said since the offset, we are working on stability, and stability is keeping your best players.

“Jean-Clair and Thuram are definitely that, as players and as leaders as they are vice-captains. We absolutely want to keep them.

“I hope they speedily come back from suspension and injury and quickly bring their freshness, leadership and enthusiasm.”