Marseille are reportedly the latest club to express an interest in signing Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.
With United having already signed Lisandro Martinez this summer, Bailly is no more than fifth choice in the pecking order at centre-back.
That scenario has led to the Premier League giants being open to offers for the Ivory Coast international, who made just seven appearances in all competitions last season.
While there have been times when it has been claimed that the 28-year-old would prefer to fight for his place under new head coach Erik ten Hag, it appears increasingly likely that Bailly will leave Old Trafford this summer.
According to L'Equipe, Marseille have indicated that they are interested in signing the out-of-favour player.
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The French outfit are in the market for a new defender having failed to secure a reunion with William Saliba, who will stay with Arsenal.
Like they did with Saliba in 2021-22, the report suggests that Marseille would prefer to negotiate a season-long loan deal for Bailly.
As it stands, however, it is suggested that United are not prepared to accept any efforts to sign Bailly on a temporary basis.
United would allegedly prefer to retain the services of their long-serving player if they are unable to attract an acceptable bid for his signature.
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With three weeks of the transfer window still remaining, United will inevitably receive other proposals with Roma said to be interested in the player.
Jose Mourinho worked with Bailly during the earlier years of his United career when he was a regular in the starting lineup.
Sevilla are in the market for a new centre-back after the departure of Jules Kounde, while Monaco could emerge as an option if they cash in on Benoit Badiashile.
West Ham United are also regarded as possible contenders with Issa Diop having been allowed to sign for Fulham.
Darren Plant
