West Ham legend warns Serie A giants off deal for Man Utd man who lacks in two key areas
AC Milan must think twice before pursuing a deal to sign unwanted Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, claims one observer.
The centre-half, 27, does not appear to be in interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s immediate plans. Bailly is behind Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order. The return to first-tream action of Phil Jones has placed another obstacle in Bailly’s way.
Various reports have revealed Bailly’s unhappiness with his situation at Old Trafford over the last few months. He was named by the Daily Mirror as one of a number of stars seeking an imminent exit from their United nightmares.
Prior to that, Bailly was named in November by the Telegraph as one star who had ‘openly challenged’ former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the dressing room.
As such, talk of a loan exit to AC Milan had begun to ramp up. The Rossoneri are eyeing January reinforcements following Simon Kjaer’s season-ending injury.
However, former West Ham and Milan striker Paulo Di Canio has urged his former side to think twice about signing Bailly.
Furthermore, he has listed two weaknesses in Bailly’s game he believes Milan are best to avoid.
“Bailly has had physical issues, and he is not a player like Tomori,” he told Sky Sport Italia, via Football Italia.
“On paper, he has similar characteristics, but sometimes he runs too many risks and is not as aggressive defensively. He may do well, but he is not a player like [Fikayo] Tomori who arrived with a great desire to emerge.”
Bailly has played seven matches in all competitions for United this season, with his deal expiring in 2024.
Eric Bailly out, Ronald Araujo in
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo has become of interest to Manchester United amid a contract stand-off with Barcelona, according to reports.
The 22-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou. His contract with Barcelona expires in 2023 and his terms remain the same as those he was on as a B team player.
Araujo wants to stay with Barcelona. However, he knows he deserves a salary more appropriate to his role in the club now. Therefore, Diario Sport report that several clubs are keeping an eye on Araujo’s situation.
The Catalan paper claims Barcelona are already aware of interest from the Premier League trio of Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea.
United turned to La Liga to strengthen their defence in the summer. Raphael Varane arrived from Real Madrid, but the impact has not been immediate. Besides, there have been further questions of captain Harry Maguire alongside him.
As for Liverpool, they also signed a defender before the start of this season. Ibrahima Konate joined the club from RB Leipzig, taking his place in the squad alongside Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips.
But a lack of gametime for the latter duo has raised questions over their futures.
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