Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly refined their offer for Villarreal defender Eric Bailly to £25 million up front plus another potential £5 million in add-ons. 

That’s according to Simon Jones of MailOnline, who has reported that the Red Devils “are looking to reach accord” over the transfer of the centre-back. He also noted that United have made “initial inquiries” over the availability of Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic.

The deal seems to be moving closer too, with Jones reporting that the centre-back will have a medical on Tuesday before the transfer is finalised.

Jones added that Villarreal are happy to sell the Ivory Coast international, having paid just £4.4 million to bring him in from Espanyol in January 2015. Here is why United are keen to pay so much:

Under former United boss Louis van Gaal, there was a responsibility on defenders to be confident playing out from the back, falling in line with the meticulous and often tedious passing style the Dutchman deployed. But new manager Jose Mourinho has always channeled the focus of his men in the back line; he wants defenders to defend.

And that’s what Bailly is good at. When it comes to one-on-one battles, the Villarreal man is able to use his strength and speed to get the better of attackers who try to best him. He is also a fierce tackler, and he's stronger in the air than any of United's current crop.

Here is a look at how the 22-year-old fared statistically in La Liga matches last season, per Squawka Football:

Given that the axis Chris Smalling and Daley Blind formed was a plus point for United in 2015-16, some may be quizzical about the club spending big on a centre-back. But it’s a pointer towards what Mourinho will want from his side in terms of authoritative, dynamic and defensively minded players.

That’ll be why he’s also looking to pinch Matic from his former club, and the player would fancy a transfer to Old Trafford, according to Jones. 

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“Chelsea may not be so easy to deal with over Matic, but the Serbia midfielder is keen to move,” he wrote. “Despite not enjoying the best relationship with [Mourinho] at Chelsea, he believes a fresh start and change of environment for his former manager can work for the benefit of his career.”

These numbers from WhoScored.com show just how effective the Serbia international has been as a defensive shield in the middle of the park for the Blues:

Matic was outstanding in his first full season back at Stamford Bridge following his time with Benfica.

Stationed at the base of midfield, the 27-year-old is an expert at shutting out opposition attacks with his defensive instincts and burly frame. Last term saw Matic’s levels drop, but it’s clear Mourinho values his quality as a holding midfielder.

Negotiating with Chelsea for a key player will be tough. It’s where Mourinho’s influence could be so important, per Bleacher Report’s Paul Ansorge:

Both targets make a lot of sense. Bailly will add something refreshing to the base of the United team and the kind of commanding presence the club have lacked since the departure of Nemanja Vidic. There are still areas of his game that need to be sharpened, but Mourinho is a superb defensive coach and a figure adept at speeding up that process.

Prising Matic out of Stamford Bridge will be trickier. He is an important player for the Blues, and Chelsea will not want to sell to a positional rival. Plus, with incoming head coach Antonio Conte still in charge of Italy, the new boss won’t want to move anyone on until he’s got his feet under his desk in west London.