Eric Bailly’s contract talks with Man Utd explain Solskjaer’s transfer plans

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the club are in talks over extending Eric Bailly’s contract.

And it could give a clue over the Red Devils’ transfer plans for the summer with reports suggesting Solskjaer will target a new defender.

Harry Maguire has been an ever-present in the centre of United’s backline with Victor Lindelof his regular partner.

Bailly has also had his fair share of minutes with the Ivorian’s current contract keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of next season.

Though Solskjaer has confirmed United want to keep the 26-year-old, saying: “Yes we are talking to Eric and Eric’s representatives.

“He is keeping fitter for longer and you can see his performances as well and I have been very happy with him.

“His playing style has sometimes made him lose too many games because 100 games that is not enough for the period he has been here. He is getting more and more robust so yes he is one we are talking to.”

The news from Solskjaer could spell the end of Phil Jones’ Manchester United career, with the former Blackburn ace yet to feature this season.

He may stay on the sidelines for the whole campaign due to injury but, should United add to their defence this season, Jones would surely be surplus to requirements.

If Solskjaer does recruit a new defender, and keeps his current trio, it would make four central defenders.

And with the Norwegian favouring four at the back, it is unlikely that they will want more than four experienced centre backs on the books.

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    • Axel Tuanzebe may also be sweating over his future, though the 23-year-old has also shown he is capable at right-back.

    That may be enough for Solskjaer to keep him, with versatility perhaps crucial as United look to end their Premier League pain.

    The Red Devils have not won the title since 2013, though sit second in the current table.

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