Manchester United faced tough competition from
Manchester City , Barcelona and Paris St-Germain for the defender’s signature – but it seems they have won the race.
They add that the interest drove the transfer fee towards £30m.
Bailly joined Villarreal in January 2015 and impressed for the La Liga side.
The centre-back made 35 appearances for Villarreal last season, chipping in with one goal.
Bailly started his footballing career at Espanyol and Manolo Marquez gave him his debut for the B team in 2013.
And Marquez yesterday claimed his former player would be a good fit for new United boss Jose Mourinho.
“I’m absolutely convinced that he’d be a success in England,” he told ESPN .
“He’s similar to Sergio Ramos and while he’s not as good technically, he’s much stronger.
“I was surprised when Man United gave Jose Mourinho the job – I don’t think it’s the right decision – but Mourinho would be good for Eric because Mourinho always has his defences very well organised.
“He’s also the type of very strong defender which he likes to work with.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still expected to move to Old Trafford, despite choosing to remain calm when asked if he would join the club.
“There is no confirmation. There is no saying yes. So you will have to have patience,” he said
