Word stemming from the English media on Sunday suggests that Newcastle United have been afforded the opportunity to swoop for an out-of-favour member of Manchester United’s backline.
The player in question? Eric Bailly.
It is of course common knowledge that those in a position of power at St. James’ Park are on the lookout for reinforcements at the heart of the club’s defence this summer.
LOSC Lille standout Sven Botman, meanwhile, is long understood to have been identified as the first-choice target on the part of Eddie Howe and co.
LILLE – Sven Botman suffers a hamstring strain during the UEFA Champions League match between Lille OSC and Chelsea FC at Stade Pierre Mauroy on March 16, 2022 in Lille, France. ANP | Dutch Height | Gerrit van Keulen (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
To this point, however, a deal for the Dutchman has proven altogether difficult to come by, amid rival interest on the part of Serie A champions AC Milan.
Should Botman ultimately opt to take his talents to the San Siro, Newcastle, in turn, will be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere amid the club’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
And, as alluded to above, this weekend, an alternative option is understood to have been offered up to the Magpies, in the form of Eric Bailly.
As per a report from The Mirror, the transfer team at Manchester United have made contact with their counterparts on Tyneside, to make Ivorian international Bailly’s availability known.
This comes with the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford stint finally primed to come to a close this summer, on the back of the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
Should Newcastle opt to take their Premier League rivals up on the chance to bring Bailly in, a deal could be struck for a fee of as little as £8.5 million.
Man Utd offer Newcastle chance to sign Eric Bailly despite Jurrien Timber rejection https://t.co/rzUAhG8Bfg pic.twitter.com/VVpXraEU8V
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 19, 2022
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