Manchester United have made a £30million move for Villarreal's highly-rated centre-back Eric Bailly.
The 22-year-old has been monitored closely by Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Arsenal in recent seasons but United have made their move for the Ivory Coast international.
Bailly was left out of the Ivory Coast squad that faced Gabon on Saturday while Barcelona and Leicester have also been to watch him since January but Villarreal are confident of the deal going through to United.
Talks are ongoing over a deal that is expected to be around £18million up front with £12m in bonus payments and the clubs hope to reach an agreement quickly for the tough but skilful defender who joined from Espanyol in 2014 for £4million.
Bailly was brought in by Villarreal to replace Gabriel Paulista when he moved to Arsenal. He had a poor start but has grown into the position and become one of the most coveted defenders in Spain.
Bailly is still considered a little raw and occasionally rash but is quick, strong, reads the game well and is not afraid to bring the ball out of defence.
Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen through United's spine and wants to make four or five additions to the squad he has inherited.
Mourinho will be in the stands for Socceraid at Old Trafford today but not in the dug-out. He is due to return to United's Carrington training complex on Monday as he looks to start shaping his squad and staff with the Bailly expected to be joined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the coming days.
The 34-year-old free agent striker is expected to finalise terms once his agent Mino Raiola returns from business in Monte Carlo this week.
Ryan Giggs returns from holiday in Dubai today and is expected to discuss his future with United this week. United have made him a broad offer of a role which he could help design himself involving the development of their younger professionals.
City had considered Bailly but are advanced in negotiations over a £39m deal for Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao and still hope to beat United to John Stones from Everton.
Manager Pep Guardiola was in Manchester on Friday as he took a look around the club's training and academy facility.
The 45-year-old Spaniard has already met coaches and club staff when he visited at the end of last month and has since been to Abu Dhabi for further talks with City's owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
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