Tiemoue Bakayoko: Chelsea and Manchester United target rejects Monaco contract offer ahead of Premier League bids

CHELSEA and Manchester United have been handed a huge transfer boost after Tiemoue Bakayoko reportedly rejected a new Monaco contract.

The Ligue 1 giants are desperate to keep the midfielder this summer but know a big-money offer from England has already turned his head.

Bakayoko has played a key role in Monaco’s title challenge this season and Le Parisien via claims a new deal was offered as a result.

But the Frenchman is said to have snubbed the extension, creating some tension with manager Leonardo Jardim in the process.

And Bakayoko’s decision has now opened the door for a Premier League switch in July, with Chelsea and United ready to do battle over his signature.

Antonio Conte’s Blues believe they have missed out on Atalanta ace Franck Kessie and now want Bakayoko to fill the gap left by John Obi Mikel’s move to China.

While United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen in the centre of the park as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Michael Carrick approach the end at OId Trafford.

However, there is alleged interest from Manchester City as well, with Pep Guardiola struggling to find the right balance in midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan’s injury, combined with Yaya Toure’s age and Fernandinho’s disciplinary record, has proven to be problematic for the Spanish tactician, and Bakayoko could be just the right man to run the show at the Etihad next season.