Man Utd set Eric Bailly asking price as Jose Mourinho steps up transfer pursuit

Roma have stepped up interest in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.

Bailly was the first player signed by Jose Mourinho – now Roma boss - when he joined United in 2016.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast centre-back has struggled for regular game-time at Old Trafford and has now fallen further down the pecking order with new boss Erik ten Hag splashing £51.6 million Ajax star Lisandro Martinez.

And Bailly could be up for grabs this summer for less than £10 million after failing to fulfil his early promise following his £34 million switch from Villarreal six years ago.

In five seasons the injury-hit 28-year-old African defender has only played 45 games in the Premier League.

And with Martinez arriving to bolster a defensive unit that already includes England captain Harry Maguire, French World Cup winner Raphael Varane and Swede Victor Lindelof, Bailly's chances of forcing his way into contention are low.

Mourinho already has one ex-United defender in his team with Chris Smalling making a successful transition from the Premier League to Serie A with his move to Italy, initially on loan, three years ago.

Eric Bailly was guilty of being a tad heavy-handed with Emiliano Buendia during United's latest pre-season outing ((Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images))

HAVE YOUR SAY! Has Bailly been a poor signing for United? Comment below

Bailly has had his chances to try and prove his worth to new manager Ten Hag over the course of the club's recent pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

The Ivorian was arguably United's best player during the recent 4-0 demolition of Liverpool, but was most recently handed a cameo role off the bench for the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in Perth. Despite only being on the pitch for the last 15 minutes, Bailly did manage to pick up a yellow card for a spat with Emiliano Buendia.

The central defender could not contain his frustration after United surrendered their lead so late on against Villa and actually booted a plastic chair as he made his way off of the pitch.

Roma manager Mourinho is clearly well-versed with the shortcomings Bailly has in his game and still views the 28-year-old as someone who could offer a lot to the reigning Europa Conference League champions.