Report: Barcelona monitoring Villarreal centre-back Eric Bailly

Barcelona are reportedly considering a summer move for Villarreal defender Eric Bailly.

The 22-year-old came through the youth system at Espanyol, before making the move to Villarreal in 2015.

The Ivorian international has made 24 league appearances for the Yellow Submarine this season, while he has also made six Europa League appearances on his team's route to the semi-finals.

According to Fichajes.net, Bailly's fast development has attracted the attention of Barcelona, who are expected to be in the market for a new centre-back at the end of the season.

Bailly, who has 12 Ivorian caps to his name, signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at El Madrigal upon his arrival in January 2015.