Mourinho reportedly in for Ivorian star defender

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jul 26, 2022. 15:00

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on adding Eric Bailly to his squad for the upcoming season, with it being reported that the Ivorian’s price tag has now been set.

The fan favourite has dropped down the pecking order at Manchester United in recent seasons, following his troubles with injuries throughout his time in England.

It’s been reported that Manchester United are now open to offloading the 28-year-old, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and new recruit Lisandro Martinez said to be the chief quartet of defenders for manager Erik Ten Hag.

According to the Mirror, Roma have ’stepped up’ in their pursuit of the aggressive defender and that he will be priced around the £10 million mark.

It was Mourinho who lured the Ivorian to England during his time with Manchester United back in 2016, with the former Chelsea manager openly praising Bailly’s potential at the time.

The extent of Bailly’s injury woes dropped his value significantly in the current transfer market, having been signed by the Red Devils for a sum of £34 million in 2016.

Bailly, who is currently having an impressive pre-season stint with United under Ten Hag, made just 113 appearances for the club in six years.