Chelsea plot £42m move for Monaco midfielder

Premier League holders Chelsea are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Monaco to wrap up a summer deal for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is eager to add a commanding presence at the heart of his midfield, and Bakayoko is said to fit the bill following his impressive form en route to Monaco's first league triumph since 2000, The Sun claims.

Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante had been regulars in the 3-4-3 setup for most of the season, but Conte opted to switch the former for Cesc Fabregas during the final months of the campaign.

Matic has had his critics over the course of his Blues career, and his performance in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal could have done no favours to his position.

As per The Sun, the arrival of Bakayoko could have a direct influence on the future of Matic, who could be shown the Blues exit door.

Ex-boss Jose Mourinho, currently at Manchester United, is likely to lodge a potential attempt to sign the Serbian international this summer as he looks to shore up his club's midfield.