Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has identified Tiemoue Bakayoko as a priority target for the summer transfer window.
The Monaco midfielder has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 side and is a target for Chelsea as well.
Daily Star are reporting that Mourinho wants to sign Bakayoko and Manchester United will pay around £40m to beat their rivals to the player’s signature.
The report adds that Manchester United officials have a good relationship with the French club and are confident of signing the player at the end of this season. Monaco have insisted that the 22-year-old is not for sale, but it will be tough to hold on to him at the end of this season.
It is believed that Bakayoko will be the replacement of Michael Carrick in the long run. Daily Star believe that Ed Woodward will use the funds from Schneiderlin’s sale to meet Monaco’s valuation of the player.
Apparently, Mourinho thinks that Bakayoko has the defensive qualities needed to compliment Paul Pogba in the midfield.
In other news, Jose Mourinho has decided to extend Marouane Fellaini‘s contract.
The Belgian signed a four-year deal with United in 2013 with an option to extend for another season. The Portuguese manager claimed that Fellaini has a very strong mentality and is an important player for the club.
Mourinho said: “He has a very strong mentality and has coped well. He knows he is a very important player for me.”
Fellaini was expected to leave the club at the end of this season. The 29-year-old midfielder joined from Everton for £27.5m and has been a useful option for Moyes, van Gaal and Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford.
Mourinho has triggered the option to extend Fellaini’s contract and the Belgian is now expected to stay for another season at least.
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