Man United Ivorian star set for loan return

Olympique Marseille are reportedly unwilling to trigger the purchase option included in Eric Bailly's loan from Manchester United, as the Ivory Coast international has failed to impress. 

The 28-year-old has only featured seventeen times for Marseille in all competitions this season since his season-long loan move in the summer, and Les Phoceens are said to be unwilling to keep him any longer after his loan expires. 

Former Valencia centre-back Eric Bailly is reportedly set for a return to Old Trafford, as his current employers, Marseille, are unwilling to sign him permanently, according to GFFN. 

He joined the Ligue 1 side in the summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United; however, there was a purchase option included that could be automatically triggered by fairly achievable targets.

The €7 million purchase clause for him would become mandatory if he plays 19 league games and Marseille qualify for the Champions League; otherwise, it is optional. 

However, a string of injuries and a reckless incident that saw him receive a seven-game suspension have limited him to only 11 league games this season. 

Baily has fallen down the pecking order at Marseille, and the club are not expected to play him enough to trigger his purchase clause automation, nor are they willing to make the move as an option, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has reportedly asked the decision-makers at Manchester United to make Marcel Sabitzer's move from Bayern Munich permanent in the summer.

Sabitzer moved to Old Trafford on loan from the Bundesliga champions on deadline day in the winter window. 

He arrived at a time when United needed midfield reinforcements after the injury suffered by Christian Eriksen. Sabitzer has proven his worth in his short spell at the club by making 11 appearances in all competitions. 

The Austria international was also crucial in setting up Marcus Rashford's winner in the 1-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.