Liverpool are making a serious move for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Todibo is a target for Manchester United, which hold an advantage as Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also a director at Old Trafford.
But Nice-Matin says Liverpool are now leading the race for his signature.
Todibo could replace Joel Matip, whose contract expires this summer. The 32-year-old will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Nice want 60m to sell the young centre-half.