Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is pushing for a reunion with his first Red Devil signing Eric Bailly this summer, with European Champions Roma keen to strengthen their central defence this summer.
Bailly is thought to be one of those free to depart this summer following Erik ten Hag’s takeover of the Old Trafford reins, with the Ivorian seeing his game time limited last season and only set to see that compounded by the arrival of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, who seems to be nailed on to start at left centre-back.
This would leave Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire to fight it out for the other spot in central defence, even before Bailly comes into the conversation.
And, as per Sky Sports, ‘Bailly will speak to Erik ten Hag about game time’ this season, which could open the door for a departure as Roma stand waiting to pounce.
Bailly was Mourinho’s first signing as Manchester United boss, joining from Villareal in a deal worth £34m, but could be set to depart for less than £10m this summer having fallen out of favour.
Roma interested in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. Bailly will speak to Erik ten Hag about game time – if it’s limited, he’d welcome chance to talk to Jose Mourinho if suitable offer made. Bailly was Jose’s 1st signing at United in summer 2016. #Bailly #ASRoma #MUFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 25, 2022
More to come from Manchester United
Manchester United are far from finished in the transfer window this summer, with at least one midfielder, a forward and potentially a right-back still to be added to the starting XI this summer.
Much, however, depends on the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and how that unfolds in the coming days.