Out-of-favour Man United defender on verge of exit

A forgotten member of the defensive setup at Premier League giants is primed to seal an imminent departure, according to reports.

The player in question? Eric Bailly.

Stopper Bailly, of course, has slipped ever further down the central defensive pecking order at Old Trafford this summer.

This comes after Lisandro Martinez added to Erik ten Hag’s previous trio of options, in the form of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof.

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire reads a note on a piece of paper during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday August 7, 2022. Manchester United’s Harry Maguire reads a note on a piece of paper during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday August 7, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)

In turn, it has come as little surprise to see Bailly widely tipped for a departure, still held in high regard in many circles across the continent.

And, as alluded to above, late on Friday, as much has been all but confirmed.

The deal is expected to come in the form of an initial season-long loan, followed by an option to buy in the summer of 2023.

Negotiations are now in full swing between Marseille and Bailly’s representatives, with a transfer potentially set to be made official as early as this weekend.

Olympique Marseille are closing on Eric Bailly loan deal with Manchester United. Understand it’s a loan with buy option included. 🚨🔵 #OM

Negotiations now ongoing with Bailly agents as he has to agree personal terms in case of future, permanent transfer. pic.twitter.com/YrbFFTK8wt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2022

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