Serie A outfit AC Milan is reportedly interested in securing the signature of Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly. The Rossoneri is believed to be preparing an offer to move for the defender in the upcoming winter transfer window.
A tough start to life in the English Premier League this season has seen Bailly fail to make a claim for a starting role in the Manchester United set-up. Against Newcastle United in the Premier League in October, the 24-year-old ex-Villarreal player was substituted off in the 19th minute by Jose Mourinho before his team completed the dramatic 3-2 comeback victory.
Since then, Bailly has not been seen in the starting XI on any matchday for the Red Devils as his coach appearing to favor the Smalling-Lindelof partnership. Despite the Portuguese manager's choice of personnel, Manchester United's defensive fragilities have been exposed on a weekly basis. Having scored 19 goals in the English Premiership, the 20-time English champions have a goal difference of just +1 after conceding 18 times.
With Eric Bailly – whose current contract ends in 2022 – momentarily posing to be surplus to requirements, discussions for an extension is yet to be opened. According to ESPN, AC Milan is reportedly monitoring the Ivorian defender's situation keenly as it aims to make a timely swoop.
The departure of former skipper Leonardo Bonucci this summer came as a huge pitfall for the San Siro outfit. The plight of Gattuso's side also worsened after summer signing Mattia Caldera was tipped for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a tear to his medial ligament.
As a result, the importance of Eric Bailly's arrival at Milan cannot be overemphasized. Similarly, Jose Mourinho could be convinced to sanction the sale of the ex-Villarreal defender as the funds from the deal could be used in the pursuit of defensive targets Milan Skriniar and Toby Alderweireld.
