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Report: Man United may already have identified their Eric Bailly replacement

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calls out VAR official Jon Moss
Solskjaer could welcome two defenders this summer

Transfer News: Manchester United ramp up interest in Nikola Milenkovic as Eric Bailly’s future remains uncertain

According to the Express, news of Manchester United making a move for Nikola Milenkovic is gaining traction. More so, given the current situation regarding Eric Bailly heading into the summer transfer window.

The Ivory Coast international is upset by the lack of opportunities at United and being dropped for the trip to AC Milan could be the final straw.

He was supposed to pen a 12-month extension at Old Trafford but is now keeping his options open. In light of these recent developments, the Red Devils appear to have identified a replacement for the 26-year-old in Milenkovic.

Transfer News: Manchester United ramp up interest in Nikola Milenkovic as Eric Bailly's future remains uncertain
Eric Bailly set to pull the plug on signing new United contract

The 23-year-old is one of the best young defenders in Serie A and has a little over a year left on his deal at Fiorentina. Negotiations regarding a new deal have gotten nowhere, leaving the player’s future in limbo.

With the risk of them losing him on a free in 2022 looming large, La Viola may decide to cash in on the player this upcoming summer.

This is good news for United who are in need of a revamp at centre-back. A ball-playing defender who is also good in the air, the Serbian has the potntial to become a world-class player well-rounded in all aspects.

Nikola Milenkovic
Nikola Milenkovic to replace Bailly at United?

Pieces already in motion?

According to Italian journalist Francesco Guerrieri, United are one of the clubs that have asked for information on Milenkovic. In an added boost, the Red Devils are said to have a professional relationship with his representatives.

Talks over a potential deal are expected to commence in the coming weeks if a summer transfer is on the cards. It promises to be a bust summer at the Theatre of Dreams.

Milenkovic recently admitted that United legend Nemanja Vidic was his hero growing up. Hopefully, he will seek to emulate him if he moves to Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire Victor Lindelof
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof has been the club’s first choice centre-back pairing

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Bailly, on his day, is a capable defender. With his injury problems now behind him, there was hope that he would establish himself as a first-team regular.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, continues to persist with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof where possible. At 26, Bailly should be playing regularly and whether that will happen at United or not remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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