Barcelona beat Man City to 'new Varane' Jean Clair Todibo on free transfer

Toulouse's highly-rated Jean Clair Todibo has snubbed Man City for Barcelona

MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly lost out to Barcelona in the race for Toulouse’s highly-rated Jean Clair Todibo.

The 19-year-old is considered to be one of the finest young central defenders in Europe.

And with his contract expiring this summer, he has become one of the hottest commodities on the continent as comparisons to Raphael Varane continue to grow.

But The Independent say it is the Catalan giants Barcelona who have secured his services after agreeing terms for a Bosman at the end of the season.

City and the La Liga champions are not the only ones keen on the starlet.

Both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also expressed an interest in the French Under-20 international.

However, today’s report states Barca sporting director Eric Abidal has played a crucial role in swaying his compatriot’s decision.

Despite missing out on Todibo, City are still unlikely to do any major transfer business this month but they are set to land a tidy profit.

They are expected to make around ￡20m from selling academy product Brahim Diaz as the Spaniard's frustrations over a lack of opportunity at The Etihad and has rejected the offer of an extension by Pep Guardiola’s outfit.

Now he is heading to Real Madrid, who are willing to pay to secure him now rather than wait until June to get him for a much-reduced fee.