Jose Mourinho has made the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko his top priority ahead of Manchester United’s summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Daily Mirror claims that the United manager has told vice-chairman Ed Woodward to conclude a deal for the in-demand Monaco midfielder, who is valued at £40 million.
It’s also reported that Mourinho views the 22-year-old as Michael Carrick’s long-term successor at the heart of United’s midfield.
United scouts __have been regularly watching the France international this season and were present when he registered a dominant display in the 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this month.
Bakayoko has also attracted serious interest from Chelsea, who could hold the upper hand in negotiations if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The report claims that Bakayoko is keen on playing under Mourinho but his preference is to continue playing in Europe’s elite competition.
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But United are also hoping that Bakayoko’s close friendship with Anthony Martial may __have some influence on him opting to join Old Trafford over a Premier League rival.
Bakayoko made his senior France debut on Tuesday evening as Didier Deschamps’ side fell to a 2-0 defeat to Spain, and it was a mistake from the Monaco midfielder which led to the opening goal as his pass was cut out by Gerard Deulofeu, who then won a penalty from Laurent Koscielny’s challenge.
‘It’s a pity to lose the ball which put us in the shit,’ he said.
‘We have to move on. I learn, make mistakes in life and I will move on. But it’s certain that this makes me improve my game.’
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