Fulham 'want to sign Manchester United's Eric Bailly on loan'

Fulham are reportedly keen to sign Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly on an initial loan deal.

The 28-year-old only made seven appearances for the Red Devils during the 2021-22 campaign, with just four of those outings coming in the Premier League.

Bailly was in action for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, while he also spent time on the sidelines with an ankle problem, but he was largely fit last season and still struggled for action.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones are all currently ahead of him in the pecking order for the centre-back spots, while an offer has allegedly been submitted for Ajax's Lisandro Martinez, which would make it even more difficult for Bailly to secure regular action next term.

According to Sky Sports News, Fulham, who are back in the top flight for the 2022-23 campaign, have approached Man United to discuss a loan deal for the defender.

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The report claims that Marco Silva's side also want an option to buy to be included in the agreement.

However, it is understood that Bailly is not currently interested in leaving the 20-time English champions and wants to fight for his spot in the team during the 2022-23 campaign.

Man United are said to be keen to sell the Ivorian this summer but would be open to discussing a loan with an obligation to buy rather than just the option, which could see him back at the club next year.

Bailly still has two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, as he only signed a contract extension in April 2021.

The defender has made 113 appearances for Man United since arriving from Villarreal in July 2016, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.

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Bailly impressed in his first season at the club, making 38 appearances in all competitions, but he has struggled with a number of injury issues in recent years.

The defender has only played 20 times in the Premier League over the last three campaigns, and he could potentially be the club's sixth-choice centre-back heading into the new season.

Fulham are back in the Premier League for the 2022-23 campaign, having won last season's Championship, picking up 90 points from 46 matches during an impressive campaign.

Silva's side are yet to make a signing this summer, but the capital outfit are believed to be close to completing a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Cottagers will open their 2022-23 Premier League season at home to Liverpool on August 6 before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their second match of the campaign one week later.