Erik ten Hag is finally trimming his Manchester United squad down to a workable size, with Eric Bailly and Alex Telles set to become the first casualties of the imminent Old Trafford exodus.
The Red Devils signed Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez this summer transfer window, leaving their defensive ranks bloated on the eve of the new Premier League season. United have seven senior options at centre-back and four at left-back, meaning it is essential Ten Hag swings the axe.
The Dutchman has identified six defenders as surplus to requirements and transfer exits are edging towards completion. Two of the first players out of the door could be left-back Telles and centre-back Bailly, who have slipped further down the pecking order following United's summer arrivals.
Sevilla are in talks to loan Telles and have made their interest in Bailly known, according to ESPN, while Roma - who are managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho - are also monitoring the Ivorian. Furthermore, central defenders Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones and full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams have also been placed on the transfer list.
The Red Devils are willing to sanction permanent or loan exits for the players who have been made available, so long as suitable offers are tabled by interested parties. Proving their intent to trim the squad, the report claims United are willing to pay some of Telles' wages to ensure he departs this summer.
The Brazilian - who joined from Porto in 2020 - has two years remaining on his contract, just as Bailly does. The latter had hoped to impress Ten Hag during pre-season and consolidate his long-term future at Old Trafford, but opportunities proved hard to come by.
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While the Red Devils took part two friendlies last weekend, Bailly, 28, only managed a substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, playing no role in the 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid the previous day. It seems all but certain that Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Martinez and Victor Lindelof will be the four centre-backs in rotation for United this season, leaving Bailly, Tuanzebe and Jones in the lurch.
Old Trafford chiefs hope that numerous exits will generate a financial boost they can put to good use during the final month of the transfer window. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains the No. 1 target for his former Ajax boss Ten Hag, while a forward, right-back and back-up goalkeeper are the other priorities for United recruiters.
