Chelsea favourites to beat Man Utd to Monaco hotshot

Chelsea reportedly consider themselves favourites to sign Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko at the end of the campaign.

The France Under-21 international has evolved into one of the best midfield talents in Europe, and his progress has captured the attention of Premier League's elite.

A recent report from Bleacher Report suggested that Manchester United could emerge as frontrunners to sign the midfield anchorman, who they see as the perfect replacement for Michael Carrick.

However, according to The Mirror, the 22-year-old could snub the Red Devils for a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.

Bakayoko, who earned his maiden France call-up, owing to Paul Pogba's injury, has been identified as the top target for manager Antonio Conte after having failed to lure Roma's Radja Nainggolan last summer.

The midfielder has appeared for Les Bleus at every youth level, and he is all set to make his bow for the senior side after being picked as a replacement for the injured Pogba.

Bakayoko will link up with fellow teammates Kylian Mbappe, Benjamin Mendy, Djibril Sidibe and Thomas Lemar who have all earned callups to Didier Deschamps' squad.