Jose Mourinho wants to bring Manchester United defender Eric Bailly to Roma

Italian top flight side Roma are reportedly now stepping up their pursuit to sign Manchester United central defender Eric Bailly this summer.

The Giallorossi who are currently managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, have been linked with Bailly in the past as United look to move on the defender. According to Sky Sport, Roma have contacted the player’s entourage as well as Man United’s board.

Bailly became Mourinho’s first signing following the managers arrival at Old Trafford in 2016, arriving from Villarreal and starting 24 Premier League matches in his first season in English football.

He has been hampered by injuries in recent years, failed to pass five league appearances in two of his last three seasons, and struggled for consistency ensuring he has remained a peripheral figure at the club.

If Bailly was to move, the Ivory Coast international could join his former Manchester United teammate Chris Smalling, who has established himself as an important player at the Stadio Olimpico. 

The Ivory Coast international has impressed during United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia with his first preference thought to be to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.