Bailly could have joined Barça for 25 million

As the summer transfer window swings into action and big clubs seek new talent, Eric Bailly is a player who has drawn plenty of attention and was once a potential acquisition for Barça.

The 22-year-old was close to signing for 25 million euros but technical director Robert Fernandez backed out of the deal.

Bailly has two years of first-team experience in La Liga and has been cited as a future starlet, but he fell off the Blaugrana's radar and Manchester United has pounced to secure a deal.

Barça valued his speed and versatility, a characterisitc that worked wonders for Javier Mascherano under Pep Guardiola.

Bailly has received high-profile offers across Europe.

Borussia Dortmund was first to show interest but withdrew from the deal when United made a substantial bid for his services and instead signed Marc Bartra.

Arsenal and Manchester City were also keen to sign Bailly, although the Red Devils' recent appointment of Jose Mourinho as coach seems to have tipped the balance further in their favour.

Bailly is likely to travel to Manchester in the coming hours and pass his medical.

The transfer would be around 32 million euros and, arguably, one that got away for Barça.