Jose Mourinho’s Roma have begun talks with Manchester United over a move for Eric Bailly, reports Gianluca di Marzio.
Bailly was Mourinho’s first signing at Manchester United for £30 million back in 2016.
At present Bailly is Manchester United’s fifth choice centre-back.
But here’s the kicker, Roma only want to sign Bailly on a loan deal with an option to buy.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Loan little use for Manchester United
A loan exit for Bailly is not a satisfactory solution for United. The only benefits are a possible small reduction on the wage bill, and allowing the player to move away to a club where he can feature more regularly.
However, we saw during pre-season tour that Bailly is still a very good defender, and could play a role under Erik ten Hag this season.
Bailly is one of two United centre-backs who won’t be going to the World Cup along with Victor Lindelof. This extra rest could be useful for him, and for United.
This is going to be a season where the squads will be pushed to the limit. A packed schedule means United face 10 matches in October.
Depth is important and there is a real case to keep Bailly, he will see game time, and if there is an injury to another defender, his role will increase.
If United were offered a fee of £10-15 million, then it becomes a different conversation.
The club could decide that the extra insurance Bailly provides as cover, is worth sacrificing if it means offloading the defender permanently and gaining a decent fee.
United could utilise this fee to put towards a player the club want, and are currently short for. Antony for instance.
But a loan deal does not help accomplish this. Roma need to get serious and make an offer United would find tempting, or not at all.
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