There's little doubt amongst Manchester United fans that their best centre back right now is Eric Bailly. The potential arrival of Toby Alderweireld could change that but few would want to see Bailly leave even if the Spurs man joins.
If the rumours are correct then Manchester United want to wrap up one of the biggest summer transfer moves pretty quickly as they've reportedly gone for an early move for Spurs' defender Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian seemingly wanted more money for Mauricio Pochettino's side and with that not forthcoming in the north of London a move elsewhere seems inevitable, he even found himself out of the side this season.
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How Manchester United fans would have given their left arm for the 29 year old rather than watch Phil Jones struggle against Eden Hazard last week. However they would have rather seen another of their own players there too.
Eric Bailly was sat on the bench last Saturday at Wembley and started just twice of the last 10 games for United this season. According to the Manchester Evening News though the Ivorian has no intention of leaving Old Trafford.
A source with the Manchester paper claims the former Villarreal player is 'very happy' but is 'unwilling to tolerate a peripheral situation next season.'
Mourinho claimed earlier in the season that Bailly's removal from the side was to do with giving more minutes to players who were going to the World Cup, or at least could be going, but the tactic wasn't consistent when it came to Alexis Sanchez against Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
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There were reports that Bailly's illness the day of the West Brom game, with the player fit to train the next day, led to Mourinho being unhappy with the player.
The 24 year old has been plagued with injuries since moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 but he's also been the best centre back at the club when he has played.
Mourinho spent £30 million on Bailly two summers ago and a further £30 million on Victor Lindelof last summer and also has Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo available to him at centre back.
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Alderweireld would represent an improvement on all those players and it's likely someone would have to make way.
That won't be Bailly, unless he's set to stay on the bench!
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