Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City fight to sign Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko

MANCHESTER UNITED are trying to agree a deal to beat Manchester City and Chelsea to the signature of Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Jose Mourinho has targeted the France under-21 international to help add to his options in the centre of midfield – and wants a deal done in January if possible.

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The powerful 22-year-old has caught the eye of three of the Premier League’s biggest clubs with his display for Monaco this season.

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And United want Monaco to do business this month as boss Mourinho continues to overhaul his squad at Old Trafford.

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Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay are both heading for the exit this month, while the long-term future of Bastian Schweinseiger remains uncertain.

Schneilderlin’s expected departure to Everton creates the need for a new defensive midfielder to help provide options beyond Michael Carrick.

Carrick’s form has been outstanding this season but at 35 Mourinho knows he has to have other options available moving forward than just the England midfielder.

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Bakayoko is seen as a natural successor, a player who combines quality on the ball with strong athleticism who would fit in well with Mourinho's way of playing.

Until now Monaco have shown little appetite for selling their £23million rated player, especially as they are still in the Champions League where there face City in the last 16.

Read SunSport's profile of Manchester United target Timoue Bakayoko 

But according to the Daily Record, United believe the French club may decide to cash in this month with interest in Bakayoko so high.