Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is reportedly back on the radars of French giants Marseille after they tried to sign him in January.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Marseille are set to revisit their interest in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly after failing to sign him during the winter transfer window.
Bailly joined Manchester United in 2016 from Villarreal, becoming the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era. While the Ivory Coast international started well, injuries and fitness problems affected his development at Old Trafford. And with the club recruiting new centre-backs like Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Raphael Varane, he has tumbled down the pecking order.
Indeed, Bailly has played less than 15 matches in the Premier League in each of the last four seasons and just four times in the ongoing campaign. With Manchester United planning to sign another defender before next season, the former Villarreal star is seeking an exit in the summer transfer window.
There has been interest from Spain and Italy in the Manchester United defender, with Mourinho reportedly seeking a reunion at AS Roma. Now Marseille, too, have emerged as a potential destination for Bailly ahead of the summer transfer window.
As per Fabrice Hawkins, Marseille were keen on signing the Ivory Coast international during the January transfer window on a loan deal until the end of the season. However, a move did not materialise, although that has not discouraged club president Pablo Longoria from launching another attempt to sign Bailly.
This time out, Marseille are seeking to sign Bailly on a permanent transfer from Manchester United. William Saliba will be returning to Arsenal at the end of the season. While they wish to keep the Frenchman at the club beyond the current loan spell, he is also attracting interest from other clubs such as Atletico Madrid. At the same time, Arsenal might decide to keep him at the Emirates.
So, a new defender will be necessary for Marseille, especially as they are poised to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. Bailly, to that end, has emerged as a target for the club. The 28-year-old signed a new contract at Manchester United only last year, extending his stay until 2024. However, the Red Devils could be open to a sale considering his diminishing status within the squad.
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The report adds that Bailly is attracting a lot of eyeballs from Italy and will take a decision on his future at the end of the season. An exit from Manchester United seems all but certain. But it remains to be seen if he opts to move to France or joins a club from Italy or Spain.
