Marseille 'reach agreement with Manchester United over Eric Bailly'

The Ivory Coast international has not been involved for the Red Devils in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign, having allegedly been informed that he is free to leave the club this summer.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the centre-back's future in recent weeks, with Fulham, AC Milan and Roma among those believed to have shown an interest.

However, talk of a switch to Marseille has intensified in recent days, and according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 outfit have now come to an agreement with Man United.

Romano claims that the deal will be an initial loan, but it will include a mandatory buy option providing that Marseille qualify for the Champions League next season.

The journalist claims that personal terms are currently being discussed, with the deal potentially being made official over the next few days.

The 28-year-old only made seven appearances for Man United during the 2021-22 campaign, with just four of those outings coming in the Premier League.

The defender still has another two years left to run on his deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, but he has seemingly now played his last game for the club.

Bailly has made 113 appearances for Man United since arriving from Villarreal in July 2016, contributing one goal and one assist, with his most productive season coming in 2016-17, making 38 appearances.

The centre-back has struggled with a number of fitness issues during his time at Old Trafford, though, which has prevented him from securing a regular run in the side.

Man United are working to bring more players to the club before the end of the transfer window, but there will also be departures, with Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe also among the defenders available.

There has been a huge shift in the squad this summer, with Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Alex Telles, Dean Henderson, Alvaro Fernandez, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant either departing on loan or a permanent basis.

Casemiro is set to become the club's fourth summer arrival, following Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.

There has also been speculation surrounding Harry Maguire, with Chelsea said to be showing an interest in the England international, but Man United are allegedly not prepared to entertain offers for him in the current market.