Manchester United, Stoke City and Southampton are reportedly keen on Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko
According to France Football, Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is attracting interest from Manchester United, Southampton and Stoke City.
Bakayoko, 21, was regarded as one of French football’s top prospects during his time with Rennes, coming up through the ranks with the Ligue 1 side and impressing so much during the 2013/14 season that he earned a move to rivals Monaco.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Bakayoko struggled for first-team football last season, starting just 14 Ligue 1 games, scoring only one goal whilst making just three starts in other competitions.
Now, France Football report that Bakayoko doesn’t fit into the plans of manager Leonardo Jardim, and is studying offers to leave Monaco this summer, with three English teams keen.
The report states that Bakayoko is studying proposals from Stoke City and Southampton, whose new manager Claude Puel will be familiar with Bakayoko having come up against him as manager of Nice.
The Saints have seen Victor Wanyama leave the club for Tottenham, so another powerful, athletic midfielder may be targeted in his place – and Bakayoko fits the bill for Puel.
However, Stoke and Southampton could face lofty competition for Bakayoko’s signature, as the report adds that Manchester United are also interested, and will keep an eye on his situation.
That means that a real battle for Bakayoko’s signature could ensue this summer, and after a mixed season, a club could look to get the best out of Bakayoko again, given that he’s still just 21.
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