Man Utd stepping up interest in Chelsea target

Manchester United are understood to be stepping up their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is also a summer target for Chelsea.

The French midfielder has been in sublime touch for the Principality outfit this campaign, and his performances have seen him being rewarded with his maiden cap for Les Bleus.

Scouts from both Chelsea and United had kept a close watch on Bakayoko during his Champions League winner against Manchester City, and reports have since suggested that the former have verbally agreed terms with the anchorman.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are prepared to do battle with the Blues for Bakayoko with the club holding a huge possibility of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

United could qualify for the elite competition with a top-four finish in the division but their chances look better via their Europa League where they are favourites to lift the crown ahead of French club Lyon.

Bakayoko has previously underlined his desire to stay put at Monaco, but it is understood that the club will accept a fee of around £40m for his sale in the summer.