According to reports, AC Milan are interested in signing Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly on loan in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old defender has made only 7 appearances for Manchester United this season, accumulating less than 500 minutes across all competitions. Bailly has struggled to impress manager Ralf Rangnick, and fallen out of contention for a place in the starting XI.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have depth in the centre-back position. The Ivory Coast defender comes behind Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelöf in the pecking order. United also have Phil Jones as an additional option, who recently returned to the pitch against Wolves after spending almost two years on the sidelines
The Italian club lost defender Simon Kjaer to a long-term injury in early December. The Dane suffered an ACL injury against Genoa and is expected to miss up to 6 months. AC Milan were said to be initially interested in signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City but found the Dutchman’s wages too high.
Therefore, AC Milan have zeroed in on Manchester United’s Eric Bailly as their main target. According to the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Daily Mail), AC Milan want to bring Eric Bailly in on an initial loan deal. The report states United will be open to the 27-year-old leaving, and may even include an option-to-buy.
Meanwhile, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that the Ivory Coast defender has accepted a move to the Italian club, and a mutual agreement has been reached. However, Sky Sports understands United are not open to allowing any players to leave on a loan.
Eric Bailly has agreed to join AC Milan. In the last few hours there have been positive signs from #mufc. Milan are making their final evaluations #mulive [@DiMarzio]
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 11, 2022
Bailly had signed a contract extension just last season and is not expected to leave on a loan deal. The report even names Sven Botman and Abdou Diallo as possible options for the Italian club to pursue, in case a deal for Bailly fails to materialize.
Read More:
- Manchester United Show Concrete Interest in £58m Rated Serie A Midfielder
- Injury Update and Contract Situation – The Complete Report on Paul Pogba | Should United Retain the Frenchman?
- Manchester United in Pole Position to Sign French Midfielder Despite Interest From Other Clubs
A move for Eric Bailly is a positive outcome for all the parties involved. The Ivory Coast international’s poor injury record and reckless defending have prevented him from getting regular minutes at Old Trafford. A move to the San Siro is a guarantee of regular playing time.
Stefano Pioli has improved defender Fikayo Tomori in the past and could help Bailly regain his form too. AC Milan will also be able to fill the void in their starting XI left by Kjaer’s injury. Manchester United’s defensive woes have left the club seeking defensive reinforcements too. Clearing space out in the first-team could potentially open the doors for the arrival of a new signing.
Follow AD for the latest Manchester United Transfer Updates.
