Roma boss Jose Mourinho ‘targeting Eric Bailly transfer six years after bringing Ivorian defender to Man Utd’

ROMA boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly plotting a swoop for Eric Bailly - six years after signing him for Manchester United.

Il Romanista claims the Special One tried and failed to snap up the centre-back last month.

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But the Roma manager is ready to return with a fresh bid this summer.

Bailly, 27, was signed by Jose for the Red Devils in 2016, costing £30million from Villarreal.

He made 38 appearances in his first Old Trafford season but injuries and a lack of form soon saw him become a fringe player.

Bailly has played just four times in the league this season.

And United are open to selling the Ivory Coast international with his contract expiring in 2024.

Mourinho would apparently love to link up with the centre-back once more.

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And should Bailly depart, it could open the door to United signing a replacement.

However, the Red Devils are already well-stocked in that area.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are already ahead of Bailly in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Phil Jones is still on the books, as is Axel Tuanzebe once he returns from his Napoli loan.

There are also good youth prospects to fill the void, with Teden Mengi currently impressing at Birmingham.

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