AC Milan have reportedly joined AS Roma the race to sign Eric Bailly from Manchester United this summer.
According to a report by The Athletic, Serie A champions AC Milan will rival Italian rivals AS Roma in the race to sign Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. The Ivory Coast international is open to departing from Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
Eric Bailly joined Manchester United from Villarreal in 2016 but has failed to string together a series of appearances since then due to fitness issues. Over the years, the 28-year-old has also fallen down the pecking order, with the likes of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane all ahead of him.
Moreover, Manchester United have also signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax this summer, which would further limit Bailly’s game time even if he manages to stay fit. The Ivory Coast international seems to be attracting interest from Italy, and now two Serie A giants are pursuing his signature this summer.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to reunite with Bailly, whom he signed for the Red Devils six years ago. The Serie A club have reportedly begun discussions with Manchester United over a summer move for the defender but might have to fend off interest from AC Milan.
The Serie A champions are also on the lookout for a central defender, and with Bailly available for as little as £10 million, they see him as a feasible option. There has been no clarification on whether the Rossoneri have made an official approach to Manchester United for the player, who still has two years left on his contract with the club.
Bailly has largely struggled with injuries throughout his Manchester United career, totalling 113 appearances for the club across competitions in six seasons. He has played more than 13 Premier League matches in a season just once, during his debut campaign with the club.
In the 2021/22 season, the 18-year-old centre-back managed just seven appearances across competitions despite Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings. He now looks set to leave the club this summer. With Bailly open to departing from Old Trafford, AC Milan and AS Roma will fancy their prospects of signing him.
