Man Utd defender Eric Bailly wanted by Jose Mourinho in Roma transfer after revealing ‘we’ll meet in the future’

Published

8th July 2021

Jose Mourinho plans to raid Manchester United for defensive favourite Eric Bailly, according to reports.

The Special One made Bailly his first signing as Old Trafford boss, paying Villarreal £30million for the Ivory Coast ace in 2016.

Jose Mourinho is looking to make a summer swoop for Man United’s Eric Bailly

Mourinho has newly taken charge of Roma with the brief of lifting last season’s seventh-place finishers into Serie A’s top four.

And multiple reports in Italy on Thursday claimed the Portuguese coach and SunSport columnist has set his sights on Bailly, 27.

The centre-back has struggled for game time under current Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He made 12 Premier League appearances last term, following just four two seasons ago and a dozen in 2018-19.

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Roma could lose United old boy Chris Smalling this summer, with the 31-year-old linked with a potential departure.

And Rome daily Il Tempo suggests Mourinho could offer Bailly an emotional reunion at the Stadio Olimpico.

Bailly revealed a private phone call with his former boss in May after Mourinho parted company with the North London club.

The pair were reported to have enjoyed a warm relationship during the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss’ time in charge at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian said: “When he was sacked I sent him a message, and when he signed for Roma I spoke to him on the phone.

Bailly has dropped down Manchester United’s pecking order under current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“We had a few laughs. He’s a coach I’ve always been good with.

“Hopefully he’ll do well in Italy, and we’ll meet in the future.”

Bailly is under contract with United until 2024.

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