AC Milan weighing up winter approach for Eric Bailly

Serie A giants AC Milan could reportedly seek to pursue the signature of Eric Bailly from Manchester United when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. The Ivory Coast international started the opening two Premier League matches for United after experiencing a good pre-season but he has since struggled to regular league action with the Red Devils.

According to ESPN FC, the central defender is understood to be content with the contract situation at the club despite his existing deal expiring at the end of next season. However, there are said to be concerns with the amount of gametime received and that could potentially encourage him to part ways with United in the near future.

Amidst this, reports indicate that the Rossoneri are plotting an approach for the former Villarreal man as they seek to cover up the absence of Mattia Caldara. The Italy international has not been a regular at the heart of the club’s defence but the Rossoneri are nonetheless keen on adding competition to places with the 24-year-old being sidelined for the best part of four weeks.

The Rossoneri made a slow start to the season with the lack of cutting edge upfront costing them points but they have picked up form over the past month and they are currently occupying the fourth position on the table ahead of Lazio on goal difference. Despite this, manager Gennaro Gattuso’s future with AC Milan appears from certain with reports suggesting that the club’s hierarchy are considering a change.

Former Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger has been touted as the outright favourite to replace Gattuso at the helm and the change could happen during the first half of the season with the Rossoneri keen to maintain their Champions League qualification spot for the entirety of the campaign.