Eric Bailly could now stay at Man Utd as Man City domino effect revealed

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly's move to Al Nassr is now 'unlikely', according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Manchester Evening News reported last month that the Ivory Coast centre-back had been told not to report back for pre-season training at United, and was not involved in any of his side's pre-season friendlies.

He joined Marseille on loan at the beginning of last season, with a buy option included in the deal. However, the French club chose not to trigger it.

Bailly was expected to follow his now former United team-mate Alex Telles to the Saudi Pro League, with the Brazilian joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr last month.

Sheth previously claimed that Bailly had even spoken with Ronaldo directly about the lifestyle in Saudi Arabia - an indication that a move was close.

However, things have now changed - due to a Manchester City player imminently joining the club.

Eric Bailly Man Utd transfer 'unlikely'

According to BBC Sport, City have accepted an 'undisclosed offer' from Al Nassr for defender Aymeric Laporte.

The Manchester Evening News claim that the Spanish centre-back has been open to leaving City all summer, and the Saudi Pro League club will now meet with Laporte in an attempt to convince him to join them.

Laporte has not accepted any terms yet, though, and there may be hope for United in selling Bailly if he decides against a move.

However, should the deal go through, it would effectively end Al Nassr's pursuit of the Ivorian, Sheth claims.

He tweeted: "Manchester United defender Eric Bailly unlikely to join Al Nassr after they turned to Aymeric Laporte.

"Bailly now exploring other options. He had an offer from Besiktas, but has decided not to pursue that deal."

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly unlikely to join Al Nassr after they turned to Aymeric Laporte.
Bailly now exploring other options. He had an offer from Besiktas, but has decided not to pursue that deal. #MUFC

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 16, 2023

Bailly was not included in the squad to face Wolves on Monday evening, and now appears to have already played his last competitive game for the club regardless of whether a transfer goes through.

He also did not feature in a behind-closed-doors game at Carrington on Tuesday.

The fixture, which saw United beat Everton 1-0, saw Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire, among others, feature.