Manchester United could offer up Eric Bailly in their bid to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The Spanish publication claims that the Red Devils are “one of those bidding” for Kounde, and they suggest that Bailly may be used as a makeweight in negotiations.

They claim they don’t have any insider knowledge on Sevilla’s interest in Bailly but they feel the move would make sense for all parties. The Ivorian international has been plagued by injuries since moving from Villarreal for £30m in 2015 and the player’s departure from Old Trafford in the coming months looks inevitable.

In terms of Kounde, United desperately need a quicker centre-half and the Frenchman could be an excellent foil for his fellow countryman Raphael Varane.

Chelsea are known to be keen on Kounde as well, having agreed personal terms with the player before a transfer collapsed last year. Considering the Blues’ current situation, though, you have to feel that the Red Devils would have a big advantage if they want to get a deal over the line early in the summer.