Monaco Star Ready to Sign for Manchester United on One Condition

AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, front right.
AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko at Stade Louis II, Monaco, March 15. Bakayoko could choose Manchester United ahead of Chelsea this summer. Andrew Couldridge/Reuters

Tiemoue Bakayoko, the AS Monaco midfielder, is ready to turn down Chelsea for Manchester United provided Jose Mourinho's club qualifies for the UEFA Champions League.

Bakayoko has been one of Monaco's key figures in midfield in a season that could end with Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League glory in the Principality.

The 22-year-old made his France debut in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Spain on March 28 at Stade de France in Paris.

Chelsea was reported to be leading the chase to sign Bakayoko but now the Manchester Evening News has claimed United could steal in.

Mourinho has missed a true defensive midfielder this season that would allow world-record £89.2 million signing Paul Pogba attacking freedom.

But Bakayoko, whose Monaco team beat Manchester City in March to reach the Champions League quarterfinals, reportedly wants to play in the same competition next season.

Chelsea is all but assured of Champions League football next season but United faces a battle, needing to overhaul Liverpool, which it trails by four points for the final qualifying place via the Premier League. Mourinho's side could also make it by winning the UEFA Europa League, where it faces Anderlecht in the quarterfinal.

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