Fulham are still very active in the transfer window and are looking at all possibilities as Marco Silva looks to improve on an impressive season back in the Premier League as the side finished 10th in the league.
As he looks at all possible avenues, one area he is keen to improve is the defensive side of play. After starting the season with a 1-0 win over Everton, Fulham were carved open on many occasions. If it were not for the impressive performance of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, they might have been starting the season with a loss rather than a win.
So, Silva is keen to add reinforcement to his defence and is a player who possesses pace.
Fulham keen to talk to Manchester United
There has been much speculation about Manchester United selling players this year, but it has not been as proactive as many expected. One defender whose name keeps cropping up is former club captain Harry Maguire, but this is not the defender that Silva wants.
In fact, they are looking closely at forgotten man Eric Bailly who is still surprisingly on the books at Manchester United despite not making a competitive appearance for the club since 2021.
After a loan spell with Marseille last season, it has been clear from his return that Bailly was no longer expected to be a Manchester United man, but with the transfer window closing soon and a failed move to Saudi Arabia, Bailly may still be on the books a bit longer.
Could the deal go ahead?
Fulham certainly offers a competitive escape route for Bailly and the potential of staying in the country. With United reportedly willing to sell the 29-year-old Ivorian for an incredible cut price of just £2 million, it could be a real bargain for Fulham if they could agree on a fee similar to that which has been reported.
Bailly is currently on £100,000 a week, which would make him one of the highest-paid players at Fulham if he was able to command that sort of contract.
However, they may not even have to do a deal with United as reports suggest that the club will release him in order to find a club for the upcoming season.