Fulham have reportedly increased their efforts to secure the signing of Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.

The newly-promoted side are currently preparing to start their Premier League campaign with a fixture against Liverpool on Saturday.

As many as five players could be handed their debuts in that game, including goalkeeper Bernd Leno who was signed from Arsenal earlier this week.

However, none of those fresh faces have been brought in to occupy a spot in the centre of the backline, leaving Marco Silva on the lookout for more additions.

According to Football Insider, the Cottagers have indicated that they wish to sign Bailly before the start of September.

The Ivory Coast international is further down the pecking order at Old Trafford courtesy of the recent arrival of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.

Some reports have indicated that Bailly is prepared to fight for a place in Erik ten Hag's plans, even if he is now effectively fifth choice in the pecking order.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old will not be short of options with Sevilla, AC Milan and Roma having all having been recently linked with the player.

The report adds that Bailly is one of just several centre-backs who feature on Silva's shortlist, but one of them appears destined to move elsewhere.

Chelsea are said to have blocked an offer for Malang Sarr over the past week with the Frenchman being required to provide backup until the Blues make fresh additions.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sarr is now on the brink of moving to Monaco on a season-long loan deal.

West Ham United's Issa Diop is also said to be an option for Fulham, but an injury to Nayef Aguerd may lead to David Moyes preferring to retain the services of the Frenchman.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream are expected to get the nod in central defence against Liverpool at the weekend. body check tags ::