Manchester United: Will Eric Bailly Be Jose Mourinho's First Signing?

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho at Amex Stadium, Brighton, England, December 19, 2015. Mourinho is reported to be signing 22-year-old defender Eric Bailly. Jordan Mansfield/Getty

While all eyes have been on the movements of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jose Mourinho looks set to make Villarreal defender Eric Bailly his first signing at Manchester United.

One World Sports has reported that United has agreed a fee of €35 million (£27 million/$39 million) with the Spanish club for the services of the 22-year-old defender from Ivory Coast.

Having joined Espanyol at the age of 17, Bailly played for the club's B-team before making his debut in 2014. But, after only five appearances, he moved on to Villarreal.

A quick and athletic defender, Bailly impressed throughout last season, helping Villarreal to a top-four finish in La Liga as well as the semi-finals of the Europa League against Liverpool. He missed the second leg defeat due to injury.

One issue with Bailly's game that Mourinho may want to improve, or possibly utilize, is discipline. The defender saw 13 cards in 21 games during last season.

Ibrahimovic was expected to be the first player Mourinho signed at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old Swede has said he will make an announcement on Tuesday prompting speculation that he will be joining United.

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