Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has identified Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko as his priority midfield summer target, but could accelerate a move for the youngster this month once as other clubs are also interested in his services.
Bakayoko is a tall destructive midfielder who can pass and begin moves from deep. And Mourinho wants to partner him with Paul Pogba to create a title-challenging midfield. The Portuguese wanted to wait until the summer to go for the 22-year-old. But with Chelsea also interested he will make his move this month. Mourinho sees Bakayoko as possessing the qualities to complement the more attack-minded Paul Pogba in midfield.
The France under-21 international is also regarded as a potential long-term successor to Michael Carrick who, at 35, has become a key figure under Mourinho, but is nonetheless regarded as approaching the twilight of his career with a decision yet to be made over whether he will be offered a contract extension when his current deal expires this summer.
Monaco, who currently sit just two points adrift of Ligue 1 leaders Nice in second place, are determined to hold onto Bakayoko until the summer.
There are reports from ESPN stating that United will make a £40million move to land the Monaco star. Morgan Schneiderlin leaves after 18 miserable months at Old Trafford but for £24million. And United will use that cash to help them push through a move for Bakayoko.
While United have no firm plans to recruit this month, the club remain prepared to move into the market if a summer target becomes available and Bakayoko may yet fit that description.
The former Stade Rennais FC midfielder has featured in 27 games for the Ligue 1 side this season and scored two goals.