Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly is reportedly a shock transfer target for AC Milan ahead of the January transfer window
According to a report by ESPN, Eric Bailly is the subject of interest from AC Milan. The Rossoneri are plotting a shock move to secure the services of the Manchester United centre-back in the January transfer window, amid his growing frustrations over a lack of playing time.
Bailly arrived at Manchester United from Villarreal in the summer of 2016 as a largely unknown quantity. But, he made a quick impression of being a no-nonsense defender who read the game well while also being an able distributor from the back. After a strong first season though, things have taken a turn for the worse.
He did start his second term at Manchester United strongly enough, but fell down the pecking order following an injury. Since then, he has struggled to re-establish himself as a regular. In fact, Bailly has only managed to start four times this season, and none in nearly a month. His position has now piqued the interest of several clubs, the latest being AC Milan.
The Rossoneri have not managed to look convincing at the back for the most part, with club captain Alessio Romagnoli the only one who has performed consistently. In addition to the Italian international, Gennaro Gattuso does have the likes of Mateo Musacchio, Mattia Caldara and Cristian Zapata at his disposal.
But, none of the other centre-backs have managed to impress much. And, to make matters worse, Romagnoli linked with a move away from San Siro – coincidentally Manchester United are one of the suitors. Bailly is thus, a viable target for AC Milan, who could have a long-term solution in the Ivorian.
The player is happy at Manchester United. But, the fact that game time is coming at a premium for him has left Bailly frustrated. Furthermore, with the Premier League heavyweights in search a new centre-back, there is a chance that the Ivory Coast international will find it hard to get his place back anytime soon.
Judging by his situation, AC Milan are ready to launch a move for Bailly in the January transfer window, and are set to seek his transfer value from Manchester United. But, the Red Devils’ stance on his sale is not known yet, although it is suggested in the report that they could generate funds for a new centre-back by selling the player.
For now, Bailly is growing in frustration over his fall down the pecking order. AC Milan seem interested in signing him, and it remains to be seen if they can swoop him away from Manchester United in the winter.
