TRANSFER GOSSIP COLUMN: Manchester United want Jean-Clair Todibo to replace out-of-favour Raphael Varane, as Chelsea enter the race for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Real Madrid target Roberto De Zerbi

Erik ten Hag is determined to overhaul his defence and has identified two possible replacements for Raphael Varane, according to reports.

The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and it seems increasingly inevitable he will leave Manchester United in the summer. With Jonny Evans six weeks short of his 36th birthday, it is no surprise that Ten Hag is looking to bolster his defensive options.

Varane could be one of several players departing United over the next two transfer windows, with Ten Hag planning to cull over 10 players between January and the summer.

Jadon Sancho, unsurprisingly, is expected to be among them after being frozen out since September following a well-publicised fall-out with the Dutchman.

Elsewhere, Roberto De Zerbi could be swapping Brighton for Madrid and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. 

Below, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag has made Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo a priority signing for next summer as he looks to revamp Manchester United's defence. Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the defender, who has been a standout performer for the Ligue 1 club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. (The Sun)

United are also interested in Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Ignacio, who has been watched by Liverpool scouts this season. (The Sun).

Chelsea have joined the list of clubs tracking Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored 14 goals in 43 games last season as Napoli won the first Serie A title in 33 years. Manchester City, Newcastle, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all interested in the Georgia international, whose contract runs until 2027. (ESPN)

Real Madrid have contacted Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as they look for a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, who will leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. (Sport - in Spanish)

Fulham have stolen a march on Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, who won the Copa Libertadores with the Brazilian club earlier this month. (Evening Standard) 

Chelsea are open to selling defender Trevor Chalobah, who has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. (Football.London)

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged Jadon Sancho to leave the club in January and resolve what has become a 'horrible situation' at Old Trafford. The England international has been frozen out since a public spat with Erik ten Hag in September (Paddy Power via DAZN).

Jadon Sancho is expected to be among the first players to leave United at the end of the season, as Erik ten Hag plans to overhaul his squad over the next two transfer windows. (Daily Star)

Tottenham have made Uruguay international Sebastian Caceres their priority signing in the January transfer window as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defensive options. (Football.London)

AC Milan are interested in signing Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile on loan in January. The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Monaco in January for £33m but has managed just 12 appearances so far. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

AC Milan are also keeping tabs on Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior and are considering signing him on loan in January. The Polish international has played 16 games for the Gunners since joining from Serie A side Spezia for £25m last winter. (Calciomercato - in Italian)