Manchester United are reportedly keen to enter into contract talks with injured star Eric Bailly, so as to not lose him for nothing next summer.
According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Manchester United are eager to sit down for talks with Eric Bailly over a new two-year deal. The Premier League heavyweights do not want to lose value on the Ivory Coast international, whose contract at Old Trafford is set to run out next summer.
After an impressive debut season that saw him offer promise a lot, Eric Bailly has been on a constantly downward spiral at Manchester United. Over the last couple of seasons, the Ivorian has had a frustrating tryst with injuries, which have curtailed his involvement in the first-team setup considerably.
Bailly has managed to start a mere 29 games over the last couple of seasons and with Manchester United struggling for defensive solidity, his constant absence only made him more of a liability. As a result, the 25-year-old has been linked with a summer exit, with AC Milan being briefly linked with him, before injury frustratingly struck again in pre-season.
Indeed, with Harry Maguire on-board at Old Trafford and instantly becoming the first-choice centre-back alongside Victor Lindelof, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has as many as seven options for the two central defensive spots. As a result, it is clear that Manchester United need to cut at least one of these players from the first-team squad.
Bailly though, might not be that player, with Manchester United looking to hold talks with him and his representatives over a new deal. While the Premier League heavyweights want to avoid losing him for free, the report also suggests that they continue to hold the injured star in high regard despite his recent absences.
The Sun claim that, according to a source at the club, Solskjaer would prefer if Bailly stays to be a backup to Lindelof and Maguire, with Axel Tuanzebe seemingly being the next in line for now. As far as the chopping block is concerned, Marcos Rojo could be the one to leave, with the Argentine reportedly desperate for a summer departure.
As for Bailly, a clause in his contract allows Manchester United to extend his deal by two years, as per the report. But, the Red Devils prefer sitting down with the Ivory Coast international to talk about a new deal, according to The Sun’s source. It now remains to be seen if he agrees to a new deal at Old Trafford, or if he chooses to end his frustrating time at the club next summer.
