Reports: Man United Ready To Rival Chelsea For Monaco’s Bakayoko
REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Manchester United could buy Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, according to ESPN pundit Gabriele Marcotti.
The French youngster has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, as Mourinho is keen to mount a serious title charge in the second half of the season.
And Marcotti has shed some lights on the likelihood of the Red Devils signing Bakayoko, claiming Mourinho would be more than happy to land him, but only after he offloads some players.
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“He’s been one of the many players linked with Manchester United. They’ve gone cold and Mourinho has said he isn’t sure about doing business,” Marcotti said.
“But if they can shift some players out then I think he’ll be very happy having him in. And he could potentially be an alternative for Michael Carrick.”
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However, Carrick has proven to be a key figure in United’s performances this season, and without him, in some matches, Mourinho’s midfield has struggled to some extent to control the proceedingsm and seemed a completely different team.
Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to be strong admirers of the 22-year-old Monaco star, who has quickly established himself as one of the most talented holding midfielders in Europe right now.
Premier League giants’ persistent interest has even forced Monaco to reconsider their stance regarding the player’s future.
REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
The Ligue 1 side, which has been drawn against Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16, has slapped a minimum €25 million price tag on Bakayoko.
A €6m buy from Stade Rennais three summers ago, Bakayoko has step-by-step cemented his place in Monaco’s first team from last season.
Extremely physical in the tackle, comfortable in possession, and a decent passer of the ball, the midfielder comes with a playing style which can be compared to Nemanja Matic, a key man of Mourinho’s last title winning team.
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