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Man Utd wanted Tiemoue Bakayoko but he's chosen Chelsea and Antonio Conte - Julien Laurens
MANCHESTER UNITED wanted to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko but the Monaco star has chosen Chelsea, according to French football expert Julien Laurens.
Bakayoko has been heavily linked with an exit from Monaco after impressing for the Ligue 1 champions last season.
Yesterday reports claimed Chelsea had agreed a £35.2million fee with Monaco for the powerful midfielder.
Laurens believes a deal is very close to being struck between the two sides, if it hasn't been already, and Blues boss Antonio Conte has played a big part in getting the deal done.
"I think the two clubs have agreed or are very close to agreeing," he said on ESPN FC.
Julien Laurens says Tiemoue Bakayoko has rejected interest from Man Utd to join Chelsea
Antonio Conte was always wanting to put N'Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko together
"There's only a few details left between Monaco and Chelsea for the transfer of Bakayoko.
"It was always on the cards really from very early on, he was their priority in midfield.
"Conte was always wanting to put (N'Golo) Kante and Bakayoko together and I think for him, he had other clubs interested like Manchester United for example, but Chelsea was always the project that he was really keen on.
Julien Laurens says Antonio Conte played an influence in Tiemoue Bakayoko choosing Chelsea
"Working with Conte, who obviously used to be a defensive midfielder, was very appealing for Bakayoko and he sees in Chelsea the great step higher for his future for his career.
"I think it can work out very well for both parties."
Bakayoko could replace Nemanja Matic at Chelsea, who himself has been linked with a move to United.