Varun Pai
AC Milan approach Manchester United ace Eric Bailly over potential January move
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have made the first approach to secure a deal for Manchester United star Eric Bailly in January.
The 27-year-old defender is one of the many players at Old Trafford that has struggled for game-time this season. In fact, it was not until the start of November that Bailly made his first league start for the campaign.
Since the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, Bailly has been handed some minutes, but he still appears to be behind Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Raphael Varane in the pecking order. Thus, it is puzzling why he signed a new contract last year, committing his future to the club until 2024.
Regardless, AC Milan are now ready to hand him an escape route. The Italian club are interested in him and recently made their first approach to negotiate a move for the player. However, it has also been suggested that the Rossoneri are not in advanced talks yet while they are also keeping PSG ace, Abdou Diallo, as an alternative option.
Bailly cannot leave in January
AC Milan are working to sign a new centre back. Eric Bailly, one of the names in the list – first approaches started for Man Utd player. Nothing advanced yet. 🔴 #MUFC @SkySport
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2022
Abdou Diallo’s also a candidate in case Paris Saint-Germain will let him leave on loan. #ACMilan
The Ivorian may have struggled for minutes this season, but he offers excellent strength in depth for the Red Devils. Bailly has stepped up to the first XI, especially when those around him have been beset by injuries. Varane has already gotten injured twice this season and is only now gaining full confidence to let himself loose in games.
Maguire, too, has had a few knocks along the way, but the bigger concern about him has been the inconsistent form. The Englishman looks off the paces this term and is committing a lot of mistakes. Lindelof has also suffered from Covid-19 recently and has had a heart scare to boot.
Phil Jones cannot be considered a reliable option despite his encouraging performance against Wolves a couple of weeks ago. Teden Mengi and Axel Tuanzebe have also sealed loan moves recently, making it highly unlikely that they will be recalled before at least the end of the season.
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Thus, letting Bailly leave in such a scenario would be an unwise decision. The Ivorian international may have travelled for the AFCON this month but could prove pivotal towards the business end of the season. Since we are still fighting on three fronts, it is essential to hold on to the African star until atleast the end of the campaign.
