Manchester United have reached an agreement for Villarreal’s highly rated central defender Eric Bailly, according to reports from Spain.
The 22-year-old defender has been one of the key players for the Yellow Submarines, making strong impressions in both La Liga and European games in 2015/16. Known for his good tackling and ball intercepting skills, he has made 34 appearances last season in all competitions and has a goal to his name as well.
According to reports from AS, United are not looking to pay his €40m release clause, but somewhere around that figure, with a fixed transfer fee (not known) and variable included.
As it stands, the Ivorian central defender will sign a deal with Manchester United in the next few days. Both the clubs are at an advanced negotiation stage, and it can be seen as good as being a done deal scenario.
Bailly is currently negotiating personal deals with United and should agree to the offer very shortly. United, however, were not the only club who had shown an interest in him. Premier League champions Leicester City and La Liga champions Barcelona were equally interested in his signature.
However, it seems, United have stolen a march on other rivals and are on course to securing Bailly’s signature. United are also close to signing Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after reports broke out that the Red Devils have agreed to personal terms with the former PSG star.
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