Report: Manchester United defender rejected by Solskjaer attracting interest from Antonio Conte

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is keen to make Manchester United defender Eric Bailly his first signing for the North London club.

The fiery Italian is eager to sign two new starting centre-backs in January, and has earmarked the Red Devils’ Ivorian centreback as a potential transfer target.

The 52-year-old wants significant investment to his squad to ensure Spurs qualify for next season’s Champions League, and also has ambitions to transform the Lily Whites into a genuine title challengers as early as next season.

Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfer Window Podcast, reports that the Spurs hierarchy are ready to back him financially now their stadium project has been completed.

According to Castles, Conte believes strengthening his centre-back position is ‘fundamental’ in being able to get his back-five system working as he intends in the second half of the campaign and beyond.

The Red Devils defender who has found playing time hard to come by, might be keen on a move. He has made 109 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford for a fee of £30million back in 2016 and the Ivorian has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal.

It’s left to be seen if Spurs can tempt the United board into selling the player.