Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly has emerged as a surprising transfer target for Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Sun reports that Bailly is a 'shock summer transfer target' for the La Liga juggernauts as manager Zinedine Zidane is a 'huge fan' of the defender after his previous spell in Spain.
The Ivorian spent three years in Spain first as a youth-teamer at Espanyol before establishing himself at Villarreal, where he made 47 appearances in an 18-month spell, before making his £34m move to United.
Now it's reported that Bailly is 'ready to move on after being plagued by injuries and falling down the pecking order' and The Sun claim that Madrid will be his escape route in a £35m transfer.
It's also reported that Los Blancos were trying to sign Bailly when he initially moved to Old Trafford and now 'bosses at the Bernabeu have him on a list of first-tier options.'
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The report claims that Bailly has grown frustrated at United with rumours of new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanting to add to his defence in the summer and no talks of an extension to the 24-year-old's current deal.
The rumours further fuel speculation that United are set to move for Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane in the summer.
United have long been linked with the Frenchman and it was reported this week that he is considering quiting the Spanish capital in favour of a move to the Premier League, even though his contract runs until 2022.
The Sun speculate that United could offer a 'player-plus-cash' deal to try and sign the World Cup winning defender.
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Meanwhile, United are hoping to sell Alexis Sanchez for £50m this summer, according to reports.
The Sun claim that Solskjaer 'does not see the under-performing forward as part of his plans.'
It's reported that United will try and find a buyer at around £50m and will 'then negotiate a pay-off with Sanchez to offset his wages and make sure the deal goes through.'
The Chilean is contracted at Old Trafford until 2022.
