Gds: Man United defender very close to AC Milan move

AC Milan are working to sign Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. Talks have progressed well and it all depends from the Rossoneri.

AC Milan continue to work on the new defender. It looks like the Rossoneri have given up on Sven Botman with Lille determined to keep him until the end of the season. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are evaluating other profiles with Eric Bailly being the new frontrunner.

The 27-year-old centre back is currently participating in the African Cup representing Ivory Coast. Bailly is a teammate nation of Franck Kessie. The former Villarreal star has seen his space at United reduced significantly since the arrival of Raphael Varane and is looking to change club in January.

Gazzetta reports that AC Milan are in direct contact with Manchester United and the Premier League side are open to let Bailly leave on loan. Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirms that negotiations between the two clubs have been successful up to this point and the conclusion depends on the Rossoneri.

“Positive signals have arrived from Manchester United. It depends on Milan. If Milan are convinced that Eric Bailly is the right player, not only technically but also from an economic point of view, it can be done. He is a player on whom we have confirmation that the operation can be closed“, said Di Marzio.

What is missing is an option on AC Milan’s favor to make the transfer of Bailly permanent at the end of the season. Manchester United spent nearly 40 million euros to purchase the 27-year-old from Villarreal in 2016 and will want to recoup a considerable part of that figure.

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