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Manchester United 'willing to terminate Eric Bailly's contract'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 August 2023

Man United 'willing to terminate Eric Bailly's contract'

Manchester United are willing to terminate Eric Bailly's contract this summer in order to help the Ivorian find a new club, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to terminate Eric Bailly's contract this summer.

The Ivory Coast international does not have a future at the club under Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag, and he is expected to leave before the end of the transfer market.

Al-Nassr had been heavily linked with the 29-year-old, but it is thought that the Saudi Arabian outfit are now concentrating on a deal for Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte.

Bailly has also been linked with a move to Besiktas, but he allegedly rejected the chance to move to the Turkish outfit, which has left him in limbo at this late stage of the transfer window.

According to RMC Sport, Man United are prepared to terminate the centre-back's deal, which is due to run until next June, in order to help him find a new club for the 2023-24 campaign.

Marseille defender Eric Bailly pictured in August 2022 © Reuters

There is still believed to be Saudi Arabian and Turkish interest in Bailly, while Fulham have also recently been linked with the defender, who spent last season on loan at Marseille.

Bailly featured on 23 occasions for Marseille during the 2022-23 campaign, with 17 of those appearances coming in Ligue 1, but the club turned down the chance to sign him on a permanent basis.

The Ivorian arrived at Old Trafford in 2016 off the back of an impressive season at Villarreal.

Bailly made a strong impression during his first campaign at the club, featuring on 38 occasions in all competitions, but he has struggled with a number of fitness issues since.

Manchester United's Eric Bailly pictured on January 1, 2021 © Reuters

The defender only made four appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 season, which led to him making the move on loan to Marseille.

Man United are currently well-stocked in the middle of their defence, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire set to be the four centre-backs again this season.

Maguire has recently been linked with a move to West Ham United, but it is believed that the England international will now be remaining at Old Trafford, at least until January.

Man United are still expected to move for another midfielder before the end of the transfer window, but they now allegedly face strong competition from Liverpool for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.

Fred has left in the midfield department this summer, while the club are also attempting to move Donny van de Beek on before the end of the transfer window.