Tottenham Hotspur target Eric Bailly will seek clarification from Manchester United over his immediate future ahead of the arrival of Raphael Varane at Old Trafford, according to ESPN.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have agreed on a €41m (£35m) transfer with Real Madrid for the France defender. Varane will sign a four-year contract with the option of a fifth season at Old Trafford, as he seeks a new challenge after entering the final year of his Galacticos deal.
But Varane’s move raises question marks over Bailly’s immediate future at Manchester United. Solskjaer will have seven centre-backs available for next season without any leaving, so Bailly is concerned over his game time.
Tottenham will likely be paying close attention to Bailly’s imminent crunch talks over his Manchester United future. Duncan Castles claimed on the Transfer Window Podcast in April that Spurs wanted to sign the Ivory Coast defender before he agreed to a new contract.
ESPN now note that playing time was a key factor in Bailly’s discussions over a new deal. The competition for places and injuries held the 27-year-old to only 12 Premier League outings last season, starting just 10. And Varane’s arrival could see that number fall further.
But Solskjaer wants to have four senior centre-backs available next term with United set to play around 60 fixtures. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are certain for roles alongside Varane, while Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Teden Mengi may leave on loan or for good.
Bailly may join the trio in seeking transfers if Manchester United cannot offer the assurances he wants with Varane joining, potentially to Tottenham’s joy. But Castles adds Spurs viewed him as a replacement for Davinson Sanchez, who is yet to leave north London.
Bailly to hand Tottenham boost with Manchester United talks?
Bailly could hand Tottenham a big boost to their summer plans by telling Manchester United he wants to leave. Solskjaer may convince the 36-cap international to stay and challenge for minutes, but he’s seemingly already concerned about his chances.
Spurs Managing Director Fabio Paratici may also have to sell Sanchez to sign Bailly, despite Toby Alderweireld’s exit. And the Italian has yet found a suitor for the Colombian who is surplus to requirements, per The Times.
Signing Bailly from Manchester United at some stage would see Tottenham land a hungry centre-back, desperate to prove himself, however. Solskjaer also hailed the Red Devils’ £30m signing from Villarreal as an ‘immense’ player, via the United website, in January.
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