Fulham ‘submit transfer bid for out-of-favour Man Utd defender Eric Bailly with Sevilla and Roma also in the hunt’

FULHAM have reportedly submitted a bid for the out-of-favour Manchester United defender Eric Bailly – but face a fight with Sevilla and Roma.

The newly-promoted Premier League club are looking for reinforcements at the back ahead of the new season.

Their porous defence has contributed to each of their last two relegations from the top-flight, and boss Marco Silva is desperate to stop history repeating itself.

Bailly is one of a number of defenders the club have been linked to, and they have now reportedly made an official move for him.

Freelance journalist Pete O’Rourke tweeted: “Fulham have an offer on the table for Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, but face a fight to persuade him to move to Craven Cottage.

“Sevilla and Roma are also both chasing Bailly who could be allowed to leave Old Trafford.”

Bailly has found himself increasingly out-of-favour during his six years at Old Trafford.

Injuries have repeatedly hampered the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford career but he did have an encouraging pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.

One moment in the first game against Liverpool last month left fans particularly encouraged.

But he is not expecting to be a starter for the club this season, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rumours have also suggested AC Milan are lining up a move for the centre-back, with his future increasingly looking likely of being away from Manchester.

Fulham have been linked to a few defenders in this transfer window as they look to strengthen.

The London club have reportedly put in offers for West Ham’s Issa Diop, only for their London rivals to demand more money.

The Cottagers are also believed to be interested in Liverpool’s Nat Phillips.

And it was revealed over the weekend that they have been eyeing up Leicester’s Jannik Vestergaard.