MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE stumped up a reported €38 million (£30m) to sign Villarreal centre-back Eric Bailly.
The Ivorian, who has signed an initial four-year contract, becomes the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era at Old Trafford.
The transfer will be completed subject to Bailly, 22, receiving his work permit.
“It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United,” he said. “To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club.
“I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”
Mourinho hailed his first new recruit as a player of “great natural talent.
“He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around,” Mourinho said.
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