Eric Bailly is on the verge of joining Olympique Marseille on loan from Manchester United, 90min can confirm.
The Ivory Coast international has struggled with a raft of injury problems during his six-year stint at Old Trafford, and has played in just 70 Premier League games.
Bailly featured just seven times in all competitions last year – four of those appearances coming in the Premier League – and he’s well down United’s central defensive pecking order.
Erik ten Hag has Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof at his disposal, leaving Bailly’s chances of playing first-team football this season relatively slim.
90min understands that the 28-year-old is now closing on a loan move away from United, with Ligue 1 giants Marseille nearing a deal that will include an option to buy.
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Bailly was the first signing made by Jose Mourinho during his time as United boss and cost the Red Devils around £30m. He played 25 Premier League games in his debut season before an ankle injury in November 2017 derailed his career.
Injuries and niggles have continued to dog Bailly thereafter, although he has maintained a presence on the international stage with Ivory Coast.
Bailly’s exit could coincide with a new arrival for Ten Hag, with United close to completing a £70m deal for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro. The club have already announced an agreement in principle for the 30-year-old, who will now undergo a medical before signing a four-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.