Manchester United star signs fresh three-year contract

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has committed his future to the club by signing a fresh three-year contract.

The Ivorian has played second fiddle to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for the central defensive roles this season.

It was recently suggested that he could reject a new contract with United in order to secure regular game time elsewhere.

However, in a surprise turn of events, he has put pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal with the option for another 12 months.

With the extension, it appears unlikely that United will pursue a new central defender when the transfer window reopens.

They currently have five centre-backs in Lindelof, Maguire, Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones in the first-team squad.

Jones is likely to head for the exit door this summer, and he could be replaced by emerging graduate Teden Mengi.

Mengi was loaned out to Derby County in the last transfer window. He has made nine appearances in the Championship for them.