Manchester United and Eric Bailly are in advanced talks over a contract extension despite recent reports suggesting otherwise, as per ESPN.
The Red Devils are keen to tie the Ivory Coast international down to a new long-term contract that would keep him at Old Trafford until 2025.
Bailly’s current deal runs out at the end of the next season, with the parties negotiating renewal for months.
The 27-year-old required assurances from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he will be a part of his project moving forward.
Some reports have even claimed the injury-prone defender is ready to turn down a new contract to secure regular first-team action elsewhere.
However, he has made a U-turn and is now looking to prolong his stay at the Theatre of Dreams.
As reported by ESPN, there was a breakthrough in talks last week, with Bailly now on the verge of pledging his future to the club.
The centre-back, who arrived from Villarreal for £30 million in summer 2016, has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs in Italy and Spain.
A potential return to La Ceramica was also on the cards amid speculation that the Red Devils are pursuing highly-rated Yellow Submarine defender Pau Torres.
Solskjaer had doubts about Bailly’s fitness following another injury-riddled season that has seen the Ivorian make just eight Premier League appearances.
Since the turn of the 2017/18 campaign, the former Espanyol starlet has racked up just 37 outings in the English top-flight.
In addition to constant injury setbacks, Bailly tested positive for coronavirus this term, returning to full training only recently.
As a result of immense physical struggles, he has tumbled down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer’s preferred centre-back pair are Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with the Norwegian already looking for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login