Manchester United have rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for central defender Eric Bailly.
Arsenal wanted to take Bailly on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
But United do not want to lose the 24-year-old at this stage of the campaign and have no interest in doing anything that might assist a Premier League rival.
Bailly, signed by former United manager Jose Mourinho for £30million in the summer of 2016, has less than 18 months left on his contract and is not a first choice under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He has started just one of Solskjaer’s seven games in charge and was sent off in that.
United have an option to extend the Ivorian’s deal by two years, but want to delay a decision until a new permanent manager is in place. Bailly wants to stay at United and prove himself after growing disillusioned under Mourinho.
Arsenal need central defensive cover after losing Rob Holding to injury in a game at United before Christmas.
Coach Unai Emery has now lost Hector Bellerin too after the right back was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
Emery knows he is limited to loan signings in this transfer window and thought he could exploit the uncertainty over Bailly’s contract.
United and Arsenal are scrapping for a place in the top four of the Premier League this season and face each other in the FA Cup at the Emirates on Friday night.
Peadir
71
I don't think United should even think of selling Eric Bailey. I think he's one of the best defenders we have now and he'll definitely come good for United. he can play in a three back defence with Koulibali and Lindalof, and can also partner Koulibali as our new central defenders. he's a good tackler, though sometimes it gets him into trouble. I believe the manager can work on him. he's very strong and also has speed and good with the ball at his feet. Please don't sell Eric Bailey. we should just buy Koulibali to make our defence much stronger and better.
chidesco1
35
Arsenal really need a defender like Bailey but now man utd also needs given that Linderlof and Jones won't play every match and neither will Smalling, so maybe they should try again in the summer