Newcastle United 'offered chance to sign Eric Bailly from Manchester United'

Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly during this summer's transfer window.

The Magpies are expected to move for at least one central defender in the current market, with Lille's Sven Botman seen as a leading target for Eddie Howe's side.

However, Newcastle are said to be struggling to agree a deal for the Dutchman, and according to The Mirror, Bailly has emerged as a possible alternative.

The report claims that the Magpies are now weighing up a move for the Ivory Coast international, who continues to be linked with a switch away from Old Trafford in the current market.

Bailly only made seven appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign, with just four of those outings coming in the Premier League.

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The 28-year-old still has more than two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, having agreed an extension in April 2021.

The defender did not make a single Premier League appearance in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, though, with interim head coach Ralf Rangnick overlooking him.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones are all above Bailly in the pecking order for the centre-back positions at Old Trafford.

Jones has been linked with an exit, but Varane, Maguire and Lindelof are all expected to stay, while the club are believed to be keen to bring another centre-back to the club this summer, which would push Bailly further down the pecking order.

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Bailly has only made 113 appearances for Man United since arriving from Villarreal in 2016, having struggled with a number of fitness problems during his time at the club.

The Ivorian's most productive campaign came during his first season, when he made 38 appearances in all competitions, including 25 outings in the Premier League.

Bailly has only played 20 times in the Premier League since the end of the 2018-19 season, though, and he is believed to be keen to secure a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

Newcastle are expected to be active during this summer's transfer window, having recently become one of the wealthiest clubs in world football due to their takeover.

Matt Targett has completed a permanent move to the Magpies from Aston Villa, while there has been a first-team departure, with experienced midfielder Isaac Hayden joining Norwich City on loan.