Reports have emerged in England over Zinedine Zidane’s desire to sign Manchester United defence ace Eric Baily to strenghten Real Madrid defence.

Los Blancos have performed below their high standard so far this season and are determined to make big changes this summer.

Bailly joined Manchester United in 2016 from Villarreal for £30million wasted little time in making an impression, notching up 38 appearances in all competitions as the Old Trafford club won Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League trophy.

But the Ivory Coast international, in the last two seasons, has made just 35 appearances and looked a shadow of the player that shone in his first campaign. He has played 90 minutes just four times under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reports the Mirror.

And, according to the Sun, Bailly is set to be handed an unlikely escape route this summer, with a return to Spain with Real Madrid .

It’s claimed that sources close to Bailly are aware United are ready to move on defensive targets and that they believe Bernabeu chiefs have the Ivorian on a list of ‘first-tier’ targets this summer.

Madrid have already made clear that they have no interest in selling Raphael Varane, and that means the chances of a move for Bailly would seem extremely slight, regardless of the thoughts of the player’s camp.

The club already have skipper Sergio Ramos as Varane’s defensive partner, plus Spain international Nacho as an able deputy.

The Spanish giants have also announced the arrival of Porto’s Eder Militao this summer too, meaning there is already plenty of depth in defence, with other areas looking in far greater need of strengthening.