Two Manchester United outcasts considered as ‘must-sells’ as Red Devils outline four Mason Mount alternatives

Manchester United are looking to sell Alex Telles and Eric Bailly this summer after both defenders spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan.

That information is according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, who mentioned that the pair are considered as “must-sells” by the Old Trafford club. More high-profile outgoings depend on whether United receive acceptable offers and if a superior replacement is attainable.

Neither player have played a competitive game under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman’s first signing at the club was Tyrell Malacia, who replaced Telles as a backup to Luke Shaw. He then brought in Lisandro Martinez shortly afterwards to strengthen the centre of defence.

Telles and Bailly’s respective loan spells at Sevilla and Marseille have not convinced Ten Hag or United to reconsider their planning and exits for both are likely this summer.

Bailly, who joined United in 2016 from Villarreal, has always been considered as a talented defender but injuries have plagued his career thus far. He only managed five starts in Ligue 1 last term whilst on loan.

Marseille are unlikely to want the Ivorian back and his likely destination instead seems to be to Real Betis in La Liga. United want to receive a £2 million fee for the defender.

Meanwhile, recent reports from O Jogo have stated that Telles has prioritised a return to FC Porto, the club he left to join United in 2020, and an eventual sale of Zaidu Sanusi or Wendell will potentially open the door for his signing.

United have also been working on deals to bring players into the club. They have made three bids for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount yet The Blues have rejected each one.

The latest offer was reported as a complete package of £55 million, with £5 million of that being add-ons. Chelsea have proposed a fee of £58 million plus £7 million in add-ons and have offered to meet in person with United chiefs to find a solution.

However, the Reds do feel like Chelsea are overvaluing the midfielder, who has just 12 months left on his contract, and further reports from Samuel Luckhurst say that the club have at least four other midfield targets to turn to if they decide to walk away from a deal for Mount. Although, it was added that whilst any addition would be acceptable, the Chelsea player is Ten Hag’s preference.

Various reports have stated that Brighton’s Moises Caicedo would be one of those names, even though the player would cost more than Mount. Chelsea are pushing for his signature, according to Ben Jacobs, and it is believed an £80 million package offer could complete a deal.