Manchester City had the chance to sign new Manchester United star Eric Bailly for just £6million
The 22-year-old was offered to City as rising star in 2015, but Manuel Pellegrini rejected him before he joined Villarreal
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MANCHESTER CITY had the chance to sign new United defender for just £6M last summer but rejected him, SunSport can reveal.
The 22-year-old was offered to City as rising star of the future before he joined Villarreal in 2015.
But Etihad chiefs and ex-boss refused to take a punt on him before he joined bitter rivals Manchester United for £30m this summer.
A City source said: "They didn't fancy him at the time and Pep had his own targets this window.
"He wanted to bring in Aymeric Laporte but that didn't happen and he wanted to bring in from Everton, as everyone knows.
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"Pep wants ball playing central defenders and didn't see Bailly as a good fit. He also fancies bringing in .
"City were stunned at the £30m price tag he went for if truth be told."
Bailly has been settling into Manchester life with the help of fellow Ivory Coast ace .
The pair are pals from international duty and have been going out for dinner together.
Bailly made 35 appearances for Villarreal last season after joining them from Espanyol.
City signed Stones today for £47.5m on a six-year deal after a protracted summer chase of the former Everton man.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career."