Eric Bailly is looking for assurances over playing time at Manchester United, following interest from AS Roma.
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports News has reported Roma’s interest on Twitter.
“Bailly will speak to Erik ten Hag about game time – if it’s limited, he’d welcome chance to talk to Jose Mourinho if suitable offer made.”
The Portuguese manager’s interest is a long-standing one, as he pointed out:
“Bailly was Jose’s 1st signing at United in summer 2016.”
Roma interested in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. Bailly will speak to Erik ten Hag about game time – if it’s limited, he’d welcome chance to talk to Jose Mourinho if suitable offer made. Bailly was Jose’s 1st signing at United in summer 2016. #Bailly #ASRoma #MUFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 25, 2022
Signing the Ivorian would reunite him with Nemanja Matic, who Mourinho signed on a free transfer to reinforce his midfield in Rome, and Chris Smalling, who has impressed in the capital.
This comes as the former United boss seeks to improve his sixth-place Serie A finish and build upon a successful European campaign last season.
Since becoming the first winners of the UEFA Conference league, Roma have also signed Paulo Dybala despite interest from elsewhere.
They also signed Mile Sviliar on a free transfer and Zeki Celik from LOSC Lille.
Keeping mostly to the Bosman market has kept their total spend this summer to €7m despite the big names and, as reported by The People’s Person last week, Bailly’s price tag could be a major factor in Roma’s interest.
AS Roma have stepped up their interest in Eric Bailly. He could be available for less than £10m #mulive [@sbates_people]
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 23, 2022
Despite enjoying an impressive preseason, Bailly’s injury record and propensity for momentary insanity mean that the club could let him go for less than £10m.
And the assurances he is looking for over playing time may not be realistic, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order before considering the arrival of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
