Manchester United have hijacked Chelsea’s summer deal for Monaco enforcer Tiemoue Bakayoko after agreeing a fee with the French outfit, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claims that the Manchester club have settled a £35million fee with the Ligue 1 champions for the 22-year-old as they look to steal a march on their Premier League rivals ahead of the new season.
It is reported that the Blues are no longer willing to let Nemanja Matic join Old Trafford next season so United have turned their attention to the Frenchman as they look to add more midfield options to the squad.
Chelsea looked destined to complete the signing of the midfielder as the Telegraph recently reported that the Frenchman was set to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge in the coming days.
This could now be the second time during the summer transfer window that United boss Jose Mourinho has snapped up a player from under the noses of his former employers as Everton striker Romelu Lukaku looks set to sign for the Manchester club despite reported interest from Chelsea.
Bakayoko has spent three years at Monaco but he enjoyed an impressive campaign with the French outfit last season, featuring in 51 matches in all competitions and contributing with three goals.
The midfielder played a crucial role in helping the French side clinch the league title for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.
The Frenchman currently has two years remaining on his contract with Monaco.