Manchester United are ‘open to the idea’ of defender Eric Bailly leaving the club this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 28-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford since arriving from Villarreal in a £30 million deal back in 2016 and could finally be heading for the exit door.

What is the latest news involving Bailly?

Football Insider have reported that newly-promoted Fulham have tabled an offer for Bailly as they step up their search for new central defenders for the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Cottagers are set to face stiff competition for the Ivory Coast international’s signature, with Serie A giants AS Roma and La Liga heavyweights Sevilla also listed as potential suitors.

Bailly still has two years remaining on his £87,000-per-week contract with United, but the arrival of Lisandro Martinez is set to push him further down the pecking order.

It seems as though the 6 foot 2 ace’s time in the red half of Manchester is coming to an end, therefore, yet it remains to be seen where he will be plying his trade next term.

What has Jones said about Bailly?

Jones doesn’t believe United are ‘desperate to get rid of Bailly’, although admits that it is ‘possible that he goes’ in what remains of the current transfer window.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think if you look back at his time at United, he's been unavailable for a lot of the time that he's been there. He's never made a place in the team his own.

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“I'd say they're open to the idea of him leaving, but they're not pushing him out the door; he's fourth choice at the moment. It’s probably worth remembering he's not going to be at the World Cup.

“He might actually be a decent squad player to have at stages of this season when players are fatigued or injured. So, United aren’t desperate to get rid of Bailly, but it is possible that he goes.”

Should United keep Bailly?

Bailly hasn’t made over 13 Premier League appearances in a single season since he made 25 during his maiden campaign with United back in 2016/17.

Last term was especially disappointing, with the defender featuring in just 487 minutes of first-team action despite the club’s struggles on the pitch.

Overall, Bailly has made just 113 appearances for United in all competitions, missing 103 games through injury, and it is perhaps time for him to seek a new challenge.