Recent reports from France suggest Olympique de Marseille were keen on signing Manchester United defender Eric Bailly on the deadline day.
Former Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli, currently in charge of Ligue 1 side Marseille, was looking to add to his defensive department by signing the centre-back.
Marseille believed until Sunday that Duje Caleta-Car was on his way to joining West Ham, according to Ryan Taylor, so it is therefore understood that Sampaoli viewed Bailly as an adequate replacement.
Duje Ćaleta-Car – West Ham, obviously unlikely at this stage. Marseille were trying to close deal yesterday & believed player was joining #WHUFC. Irons were seemingly unwilling to negotiate permanent transfer. Talks resumed this morning but no agreement. Issa Diop staying put.
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) January 31, 2022
The Croatian centre-back stayed at Marseille and their move for Bailly never went as planned.
It is also understood that Bailly was not interested in moving to France for six-months, as per L’Equipe, despite interest from Marseille.
The Ivorian joined United in the summer of 2016 and, although Jose Mourinho had high hopes for him, it would be an understatement to say that injuries have hampered his career to a large extent.
At times, it seemed like Bailly was made of glass or – like Phil Jones – was going into dangerous tackles asking to be injured.
Bailly has made 113 appearances for United.
