Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Tiemoue Bakayoko and More

Jose Mourinho is chasing Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, with the Frenchman described as Manchester United's "current top target."

Dave Fraser of the Sun reported the self-proclaimed Special One wants to add the 22-year-old to his squad as he improves the Red Devils' physical strength. According to Bakayoko’s agent Michel Boli, Juventus have the advantage in the race for the player's signature, but interest from the Premier League has grown.

Boli said: "Juventus saw him play three times this summer. There’s also interest from Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City."

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However, Boli added the midfielder's immediate wish is to stay in the south of France as his reputation grows in Ligue 1.

The France under-21 talent has witnessed his stock explode in recent months, making appearances in the UEFA Champions League for his current club.

The Parisian signed for Monaco from Rennes in 2014, and he is now on the brink of breaking into the full national squad.

Here is the dominant midfielder in action:

In other news, Manchester City signing Ilkay Gundogan has admitted he turned down United earlier in his career in order to remain with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Speaking to Jason Burt of the Telegraph about United's previous interest in him, the former BVB star proclaimed: "It was not the biggest lie. Two years ago, three years ago it was not the time. I had a contract at Dortmund and I was not thinking of leaving the club so it was not a discussion."

Gundogan has settled well in the north-west and has appeared comfortable under Pep Guardiola's tutelage at the Etihad Stadium.

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The Germany international was touted to become one of the best in the world in his position, but a succession of injuries stunted his progress at the top of the game.

Bakayoko is the type of midfielder Mourinho loves, and he would have fitted into the Portuguese's previous teams at Chelsea and Inter Milan.

The burgeoning talent has much to learn, as he lacks experience of top-class football, but he would fit into United's squad alongside Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils manager is using Marouane Fellaini in a defensive role supporting the club's world-record signing, but Bakayoko would be a better fit, allowing Pogba to play much higher up the pitch, causing maximum damage to opponents.