As per Mirror, Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Manchester United central defender Eric Bailly during the current transfer window after struggling to sign Lille’s Sven Botman.
The Magpies are expected to sign at least one centre-back in the current window following their 300 million pounds Saudi-led takeover last year, and hence Eddie Howe’s side are said to be very interested in signing Dutch defender Botman.
However, the Toons are said to be struggling to agree a deal for the Ajax youth product and hence Bailly is eyed as a possible alternative. The 28-year-old defender has continuously been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this season.
The Espanyol youth product only made seven appearances for the Red Devils during the 2021/22 season with only four of those outings coming in the Premier League after injuries plaguing his time at Old Trafford which occasionally showed signs of bursting into life.
In fact, the player did not make a single Premier League experience in the latter half of last season after former United boss Ralf Rangnick decided to overlook him given Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Phil Jones all being above in the pecking order for the centre-back position at Old Trafford than Bailly.
And despite rumours linking Jones with an exit, the Ivorian is also linked with a possible sale given Varane, Lindelof and Maguire all expected to stay in the club. United are expected to bring in another central defender to challenge the trio, a move that would further push down the Ivorian in the Red Devils set up.
The Ivory Coast international still has more than two years left to run on his contract at the Theatre of Dreams, with an option of a further 12 months, having agreed an extension in April 2021. Overall, the player has made 113 appearances for United since arriving from Villarreal in 2016.
The Magpies, on the other hand, are busy this transfer window having already secured permanent transfer of full-back Matt Target from Aston Villa, while experienced midfielder Issac Hayden has left the Toons to join Norwich City on loan.
