ERIC BAILLY has been handed an escape route out of Besiktas after being banished by the club.
The former Manchester United defender is out in the cold at Turkey after being removed from the first-team squad.
He was one of five players to be axed earlier this month following a 3-1 defeat to rivals Fenerbahce.
Bailly is now understood to be prepared to leave Besiktas, despite only signing on a free transfer from United in September.
Fabrizio Romano reports that he could return to former club Villarreal in January.
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The Spanish side are said to be considering a move for Bailly, who has been identified as an option in their search for a new centre-back.
However, he adds that nothing has been agreed yet as Villarreal's interest remains at an early stage.
Bailly had made just eight appearances since joining Besiktas after a string of injuries.
He has also missed their last two matches after being banished from the squad.
The Ivorian and four of his team-mates were exiled "due to poor performance and incompatibility with the team," the club claimed.
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His agent has since slammed the decision, though, claiming Bailly's "rights are being violated".
Bailly previously spent 18 months with Villarreal prior to his move to Old Trafford in 2016.
During that time he made 47 appearances, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League and helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
