Espanyol are weighing up a surprise bid for Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, according to reports in Spain.

The Ivorian international has not started a match for the Red Devils since the 3-2 win over Newcastle in October when he was substituted after just 19 minutes.

It is believed Espanyol would like to sign Bailly as a replacement for Mario Hermoso who is being tipped to join Real Madrid.

Whether the Spanish club could afford to sign the Ivorian defender, it is up for debate, but they are apparently keen to make a move for the player in January, either on loan or on a permanent basis.

Bailly came through the youth system at Espanyol before leaving for Villarreal in 2015. Within 18 months, he was snapped up by United for £30m.

However, things haven’t worked out for the 24-year-old since arriving England, having struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player due to injury and poor form.