CHELSEA are closing in on Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko, which could pave the way for Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United.
Blues boss Antonio Conte wants the £35million Frenchman to add dynamism to his midfield as he shapes up for a title defence.
And the Daily Mail claims United chief Mourinho will push ahead with his plans to reunite with Matic.
Bakayoko joined Monaco in 2014 and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season.
The ex-Rennes star, 22, made his France debut against Spain in March after being called up to replace Paul Pogba.
Matic was a key figure alongside N’Golo Kante in Conte’s title-winning midfield but would be allowed to leave if Bakayoko joins.
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Tiemoue Bakayoko factfile
- Bakayoko, 22, was born in Paris on August 17 1994.
- He started played for Parisien side Paris 15eme O when he was just five
- Four years later, aged nine, he moved to another local team CA Paris Charenton and then on the Montrogue FC 92.
- He moved to Rennes in 2008 to join their academy when he was just 13.
- Bakayoko made 24 appearances for Rennes in midfield before being sold to Monaco in 2014 for £7million.
- He has played 92 games for Monaco in three seasons giving him 120 first-team appearances in total.
- Bakayoko earned his first France cap in March after coming on for Adrien Rabiot during a 2-0 defeat to Spain.
- He was the man who knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League with his header making it 6-6 on aggregate.
- He has been described as a less flashy, more defensive version of Paul Pogba.
The Italian is building a squad to fit his style after a superb debut season in England.
Mourinho signed Matic, 28, for Chelsea from Benfica in 2014 and is a huge fan of the Serbian playmaker.
Michael Carrick has signed a one-year extension but as the veteran nears the end of his career the Special One wants younger legs.
Victor Lindelof has already joined in a £31million deal from Benfica as Mourinho aims to build on a solid start at Old Trafford.
Victory in the Europa League final secured United's place among Europe's elite through an unconventional route despite a poor Prem campaign.
But club chiefs will expect a better domestic challenge this season from the Portuguese tactician, who also won the League Cup after landing his dream job.
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