Manchester United ready to get rid of defender for just £2m

Manchester United are reportedly willing to take a huge loss on the £30m transfer fee they paid for Eric Bailly in order to trim their squad.

Having already cut ties with Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe for nothing, the Red Devils are now looking to part ways with the Ivorian centre-back. The 29-year-old is considered a surplus to requirements despite Erik ten Hag’s intention to add another centre-back to his ranks during the summer transfer window.

Bailly spent last season on loan at Marseille and endured another injury ridden season, making just 17 Ligue 1 appearances. The French side avoided the obligation to make the move permanent this summer by fielding him two games shy of the required number of games for the clause to come into effect.

Ten Hag wants to sign a new central defender, with United monitoring both AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi and Napoli star Kim Min-Jae. But Ten Hag will have to sell current options in the backline before making a move for a new defender.

As per Mundo Deportivo (via The Daily Mail), United are open to sell Bailly for just £2m. It is claimed that Real Betis are interested in signing him. The former Villarreal man, who left La Liga for the Premier League in 2016, is viewed as a favourite of the club’s new sporting director, Ramon Planes.

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United’s plan to focus on outgoings before making a move for a new defender is understandable considering their transfer budget of around £100m this summer. However, this approach could lead to Ten Hag missing out on his targets.

Kim is really appreciated at Old Trafford, but the Serie A champion is closing in on a move to Bayern Munich having already agreed to personal terms.