Chelsea will push through Bakayoko deal despite knee worry

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, with that interest sparking the Matic to United talk.

Conte will decide on Friday whether Bakayoko joins his squad on their pre-season tour of China and Singapore, which they depart for on Monday, or whether he remains in England to work on his fitness at Cobham.

On Tuesday, both The Times and Sky Sports are reporting that Chelsea have agreed a £39.8 million fee (plus add-ons) to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco.

The 28-year-old impressed alongside N’Golo Kante, with Cesc Fabregas providing a further option, and Neville is surprised to see Antonio Conte considering a sale. This season he managed 12 assists, helping the Blues become champions again and bolstering his reputation as one of English football’s most impactful players despite starting just 13 matches in the league under Antonio Conte.

Chelsea made the announcement on their official website on Saturday.

Chelsea announce the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko from AS Monaco, handing the France global a five-year deal. He re-joined Chelsea in January 2014, and has scored 7 goals in 151 matches in that time, and winning two league titles and a League cup.

Chelsea confirmed the France worldwide, who costs £40million, will wear the No 14 shirt this season at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his squad after a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season and has already spent big this summer.

Chelsea are understandably reluctant to do business with a direct rival but the Daily Mail claim that United are willing to offer Matic a lucrative long-term contract if he makes the move to Old Trafford.

United are known to be interested in him but it will be a surprise if he does not end up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been a little slow in the transfer market this summer.

Liam is ESPN FC’s Chelsea correspondent.