Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Tiemoue Bakayoko, Matteo Darmian Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is ready to bolster the base of his midfield with the signing of AS Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko.

That’s according to Le 10 Sport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), which suggested the United boss is “in love” with the central midfielder after some strong performances in Ligue 1. Bakayoko is said to have been on Mourinho’s radar for over a year and is valued at €25 million (£22.5 million).

It's reported he's unlikely to remain with the principality club for too much longer. Here is a look at why the United boss might be so keen on the Frenchman:

The midfield positions have been a point of discussion for the Red Devils this term. Mourinho has lined up his players in various different systems in an attempt to bring the best out of record summer signing Paul Pogba, although as of yet, none have convinced.

In order for Pogba to blossom, he needs insurance behind him, and that’s what Bakayoko would offer. The Monaco man prowls in front of the back four, winning tackles, sniffing out danger and moving the ball on to more technically gifted team-mates.

The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani was impressed by Bakayoko earlier on in the campaign:

For United, the move makes sense. The two natural holding players in Mourinho’s squad are the ageing Michael Carrick and the seemingly unfancied Morgan Schneiderlin. Bakayoko could plug that gap and offer an industrious foil for Pogba moving forward.

The player looks ready for a step up. There are areas he needs to improve in order to be a success in the Premier League, although his appetite for the game and physicality make up an excellent foundation to start from.

Matteo Darmian Exit Nearing

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According to Tuttosport and La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), Matteo Darmian is on the brink of leaving Manchester United to join Inter Milan on loan.

It’s suggested the Italy international has grown frustrated at Old Trafford, where Mourinho has bumped him down the pecking order behind Antonio Valencia and Timothy Fosu-Mensah in the right-back spot.

The move to Serie A is said to be a loan deal to begin with, although the Nerazzurri would reportedly have the chance to sign the player outright at the end of the campaign should they wish. Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan are also reported to be interested.

For Darmian, it looks increasingly likely his United career will come to a disappointing conclusion. The fact he started life pretty well at the club under former manager Louis van Gaal makes his impending departure even more of a shame. However, writer Daniel Harris can see why Mourinho favours others in the role:

Darmian would surely be a success should he return to Italy. During his time with former club Torino, he was one of the standout full-backs in Italian football, showcasing exceptional defensive focus and intelligence in the way he used the ball in advanced positions.

At Inter, those traits, plus his versatility, would make him an asset to manager Frank de Boer.