Manchester United Raid Another Key Chelsea Target After Lukaku 1
TOULOUSE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 14: Tiemoue Bakayoko of Monaco looks on during the French Ligue 1 match between Toulouse and Monaco at Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images)

Manchester United are set to make a move for AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in an attempt to strengthen their midfield for next season, according to reports.

The 22-year old was considered as a top priority for Antonio Conte since the start of summer but the interest from Red Devils have suddenly put Chelsea in a spot of bother in an already frustrating window.

Chelsea have managed to sign German defender Antonio Rudiger in a £34m deal from AS Roma on Sunday to announce their first signing of the summer. However, their apparent position to sign Bakayoko would only add more frustration to Conte going ahead into the transfer window.

The Blues have already lost to Manchester United in their pursuit to sign Romelu Lukaku as the Red Devils agreed on a fee with Everton on Friday. Chelsea have matched the bid made by Manchester United on Friday night but the Belgian has preferred a move to Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge.

He would be the perfect replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was released last month with the Swede nursing his horrific knee injury that he suffered back in March.

“This is an opportunity that I’ve always wanted since I was a child,” said Lukaku after his transfer.

“When [Manchester United] came calling, I didn’t have to think twice. So I’m really delighted to hopefully be part of their history.

“Who would say no to the biggest club in the world? Best stadium in England, the best fans.

“This is the perfect opportunity. I always said I wanted to play for a team that’s challenging for every trophy that there is.

“Manchester United at the minute wants to be the dominant team, that dominant force. If you look at their history, it says enough.”

Bakayoko is a fine talent in France and is currently making a name for himself.  The 22iyear old is one of the key midfielders for Monaco in their title triumph last season and is one of the most sought after footballers in the ongoing transfer window. The Blues have offered a £35million fee to secure the services of Bakayoko but have so far failed to convince him over a move to London.

Jose Mourinho is bidding aggressively on his targets and it might be one more target from Chelsea that could land at Old Trafford thus summer.

Nagendra Reddy

I am a sports enthusiast. Primarily a football fan these days post the golden era of Indian cricket.