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Chelsea and Manchester United were both linked with Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayako, after the French international enjoyed a wonderful campaign with Monaco.

With Chelsea having agreed a £32.5m deal for the midfielder, French football expert Julien Laurens has acknowledged the 22-year-old was more interested in working with Antonio Conte than Jose Mourinho – a decision that another French international N’Golo Kante made last summer.

“I think the two clubs have agreed or are very close to agreeing,” he said on ESPN FC.

“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.

“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.”