Chelsea Steal March On Man Utd After Tabling £32m Midfielder Bid

Managers are now making plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea step-up their pursuit of Tiemoue Bakayoko….

Chelsea have stolen a march on Premier League rivals Manchester United after tabling a formal £32m bid for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to the Mirror.

Bakayoko has developed in to one of the best young midfielders in French football since becoming a first team regular at Monaco following his move from Rennes in 2014.

The 22-year-old has established himself as a key part of Leonardo Jardin’s side and has helped guide them to the top of Ligue 1 and to the quarter finals of the Champions League this season.

His impressive form has attracted interest from England with the Mirror claiming that Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs showing a keen interest in luring Bakayoko to the Premier League.

It looks like Chelsea have now stolen a march on United as the newspaper says the Blues have tested Monaco’s resolve with a formal £32m offer after Antonio Conte made him a prime target.

Chelsea are closing in on the Premier League title but Conte knows he needs to further strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season and he’s seemingly keen to add to his midfield options.

The report says that Bakayoko has already rejected a new contract at Monaco and his representatives are well aware that Chelsea have a lucrative deal waiting for them if they can agree a fee.

If the west Londoners are successful in signing Bakayoko, the youngster would form a devastating partnership alongside compatriot N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park next season.

However, I wouldn’t discount United from the race just yet as they have the financial firepower to match any Chelsea offer and Bakayoko would be an excellent long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

It’s going to be interesting to see how things develop over the coming weeks but I think the French international would be a superb signing for either Chelsea or United and I’d love to see him plying his trade in England next season.