Hungry Devils
United set to beat Chelsea to Bakayoko’s signature
LONDON: Manchester United have stolen a march over Chelsea in their Tiemoue Bakayoko pursuit after “agreeing a fee” with Monaco, according to reports.
The Red Devils have already beaten the English Premier League champions to striker Romelu Lukaku and could again by snapping up the defensive midfielder.
The Express claims United have agreed a £35mil (RM194mil) deal to beat Chelsea in the race for Bakayoko’s signature.
With Lukaku having signed and joined the team in the United States, Jose Mourinho has now turned his attention to the France international.
If the Blues do miss out on the midfielder, Conte will be angered considerably more after he also missed out on top target Lukaku.
It has previously been reported the Italian was set to hold showdown talks with Blues owner Roman Abramovich after they failed to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge.
Conte is yet to commit his future to Chelsea after he snubbed a new deal earlier this summer.
The Blues will be desperate to tie down their title-winning boss, with plenty of Italian clubs interested in bringing him back to Serie A.
What will have pleased Conte is the £34mil (RM188mil) arrival of Antonio Rudiger from AS Roma. The defender arrived on a five-year deal and will wear the No. 2 shirt next season.
The Germany international said: “It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I’m very proud to officially become a Chelsea player.” – The Sun, London