Chelsea midfielder close to AC Milan move

Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly edging closer to joining AC Milan during the ongoing transfer window.

The France international only joined the Blues from AS Monaco last summer but he appears to be heading through the exit door after being deemed surplus to requirements.

According to Goal.com, the Frenchman is nearing a switch to the Serie A with the Rossoneri prepared to sign him on an initial loan deal with the option to buy for £31m.

Bakayoko had been expected to replace Nemanja Matic in the Blues' ranks last term but he struggled to adapt to the intensity of the English top-flight.

As a result, he found himself in and out of the starting lineup during the backend of the previous season and he now appears set to leave the club.

Chelsea have already compensated for his probable departure with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic arriving from Napoli and Real Madrid respectively - the latter on a season-long loan deal.