Report: Newcastle want Manchester United defender Eric Bailly

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Newcastle United continue to be linked with a number of well-known players, the latest being Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly.

The Northern Echo are reporting that the new Newcastle owners are interested in bringing the Ivory Coast international to St James’ Park along with his teammate Jesse Lingard.

There will be signings in January, with the club able to spend up to £190m and still remain within Financial Fair Play limits.

Would Bailly be interested?

Despite signing a new contract at Old Trafford only six months ago, Bailly’s chances of getting regular game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have significantly reduced following the signing of Raphael Varane.

The former Villarreal man now finds himself fourth choice under the Norwegian, and with the Red Devils out of the Carabao Cup, his chances of game-time have already significantly reduced this season.

With Phil Jones working his way back to full fitness, the Red Devils could be tempted to cash in on Bailly if the offer is right.

If Jones’ injury issues resurface, then Solskjaer could recall Axel Tuanzebe on loan from Aston Villa or push youngster Teden Mengi up to fourth choice centre-back.

Fitness issues with Bailly

There is no denying that when Bailly is fit and available, he’s one of the best defenders around. But at the age of 27, his time at Old Trafford has been adversely affected by injuries.

Across six seasons, he has played 107 times for the Red Devils, but since his first season in England where he made 25 Premier League appearances, Bailly hasn’t made more than 13 top-flight appearances in a campaign.

The new Newcastle owners will want players who are reliable and available straight away in January. If fit, Bailly could be away for a month with the Ivory Coast from January to February in the African Cup of Nations.

Away from Old Trafford, Bailly could be the man to lead the Newcastle defence into the new era and if a move isn’t sanctioned in January it could be revisited in the summer, especially if Bailly’s playing situation at the Red Devils doesn’t drastically improve.

Bailly has won the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League with the Red Devils, and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.