Eddie Howe vetoes Newcastle transfer for Man Utd target after showdown talks with new sporting director

EDDIE HOWE has blocked Newcastle from signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Frenchman had emerged as a target for the Magpies in recent days.

GettyEddie Howe blocked Newcastle from signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo[/caption]

AFPFormer Manchester United target Todibo had been linked with a move to St. James’ Park[/caption]

Todibo made 33 appearances for Nice last season and has been capped twice by France.

However, Howe had not been keen on the signing, according to talkSPORT.

As a result, Newcastle are now unlikely to pursue a deal for the 24-year-old.

Face-to-face talks were reportedly held with Todibo last week, led by new sporting director Paul Mitchell.

The former Monaco director arrived at St. James’ Park earlier this summer, replacing Dan Ashworth following his move to United.

Howe previously had an agreement with ex-director Amanda Staveley giving him the final say on all transfers.

It is currently unclear if the agreement is still in place following her exit from the club.

Meanwhile, the Toon boss remains high on the shortlist to become the next England manager.

He has already been busy in the transfer market, though, with Newcastle making four signings so far this summer.

GettyNewcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell held talks with Todibo over a potential move[/caption]

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos signed from Nottingham Forest along with the free transfers of John Ruddy and Lloyd Kelly.

Newcastle continue their pre-season preparations against Hull on Saturday before a two-match tour of Japan.

Home friendlies against Girona and Brest follow before they kick-off the new season against Southampton on August 17.