Manchester United Transfer News: Eric Bailly Reportedly in Talks with Red Devils

Manchester United and Villarreal have reportedly agreed to a transfer fee for star defender Eric Bailly, and the Red Devils will now enter talks with the Ivorian on personal terms. 

That's according to Spanish daily AS (h/t Daily Express' Uche Amako), which claims United will pay a fee "close to" his £31.3 million buyout clause.

Bailly played a key role in Villarreal's unexpected run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals during the 2015-16 campaign and established himself as a rising defensive star.

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Per WhoScored.com, he started 25 La Liga contests, playing alongside Victor Ruiz and Mateo Musacchio.

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe is a fan:

Spanish buyout clauses are mandatory and will be taxed by the government when triggered, which explains why the two clubs would agree to a fee just below the reported £31.3 million. 

The 22-year-old is a strong, athletic specimen who made the most of his chances last year, but as Tighe noted, the valuation is steep for a young player with limited experience. Bailly is far from a finished product or a safe investment, and there is a wealth of emerging defensive talent at the moment.

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But unlike Real Madrid's Raphael Varane, Juventus' Daniele Rugani, AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli and a host of others, Bailly doesn't already play for a top club, which makes a move far easier. The centre-back position is a weakness for the Red Devils, and if new manager Jose Mourinho sees him as a great partner for Chris Smalling, it's a move he has to make.

Fans aren't entirely convinced, however, via TalkSport:

Any move for Bailly would be an investment in potential, and United have the financial means to take risks on the transfer market. They found success with Anthony Martial last year, another relatively unproven talent who moved to Old Trafford for a large fee, and you won't find many fans who rue that transfer one year later.

Don't be surprised if the Red Devils move for a second, more experienced defender, however. Mourinho will want to turn his new club around in a hurry, and he can't afford to gamble on a youngster who may need some time to adapt to a new league.

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