Nice step up talks to sign Rennes defender Alidu Seidu

OGC Nice have opened concrete negotiations with Stade Rennais over a move for Ghana international Alidu Seidu, after receiving financial approval from the club’s owners, Ineos, according to L’Equipe.

The 26-year-old defender has emerged as Nice’s priority target following Antoine Mendy’s injury. The clubs are discussing a loan deal that would include an option to buy, with the distribution of Seidu’s salary and the conditions of any permanent transfer among the details still to be settled.

Seidu is understood to be keen on a move to the Cote d’Azur. However, he remains with the Stade Rennais squad, who are currently in Austria preparing to face Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Wednesday evening.

The proposed transfer is now considered a realistic possibility, although Nice and Rennes must complete the final stages of the agreement before it can be concluded.

Seidu joined Stade Rennais after leaving Clermont and is under contract with the Breton club until June 2029. His current market value is estimated at 6 million euros by Transfermarkt.

Stade Rennais are due to begin their Europa League league-phase campaign against Sturm Graz, with the outcome of that fixture unrelated to the ongoing discussions over Seidu’s future.