AS Roma are set to raid Manchester United for Eric Bailly in the summer, with Jose Mourinho keen on a reunion.
According to a recent report from Calciomercato, AS Roma have set their sights on Eric Bailly. The Manchester United defender has emerged as a top target for Jose Mourinho, who wants to upgrade his options at the back after a mixed start to his spell in Rome.
The club from the Italian capital are currently seventh in the league table, and although there is the possibility of a late surge into the top four, the Giallorossi may have to settle for a Europa League place. One of their key problems areas has been the defence, with only Lazio conceding more goals among the top seven teams in Serie A.
The recent injury to defensive lynchpin Roger Ibanez means Roma could struggle further. The Brazilian has been ruled out for at least two weeks, leaving a massive void at the heart of the Roma backline.
In an attempt to add to his team’s defensive depth next term, Mourinho is prepared to raid his former club Manchester United for the signing of Eric Bailly. The Ivorian is currently playing a bit-part role at Old Trafford following the Red Devils’ lavish spending in the transfer market in recent years, with Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire arriving in big-money deals.
Bailly has featured in only four Premier League games this term, and it is a matter of time before he agrees to join another club next summer. The centre-back was linked with a January move to AC Milan, but the Rossoneri eventually cooled their interest.
It paves the way for AS Roma to make an attempt to sign the former Villarreal starlet, who was famously the first signing for Mourinho during his time at Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician rates the defender highly due to his imposing presence at the back, coupled with his game-reading abilities – making him an excellent investment for a team like Roma.
Manchester United themselves won’t be averse to sanctioning the sale of Eric Bailly, knowing his departure could pave the way for Ralf Rangnick to target newer options in defence. The Red Devils have been recently linked with a swoop for in-demand Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, and Bailly’s exit could be imperative if the club are to afford his massive wage demands.