Chelsea 'Very Confident' of Tiemoue Bakayoko Transfer Amid Man United Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly "very confident" of beating Manchester United to the signing of AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko this summer. 

MailOnline's Amitai Winehouse reported the Blues believe they'll win the race despite reports the Red Devils are willing to meet Monaco's £40 million (plus add-ons) valuation of the player, while Chelsea have only offered £37 million.

United already beat Chelsea to the £75 million signing of former Blue Romelu Lukaku this summer, and the west Londoners won't want to be disappointed in their pursuit for another key target.

United's recent charge into the transfer battle came after Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol provided an update as to just how close the west Londoners were to sealing a deal, with only a medical holding it up:

According to Winehouse, the knee surgery Bakayoko requires "could rule him out of the start of the season," which will presumably put a dampener on the deal for both teams given the huge sums of money involved.

What's more, there is a sense of urgency required for both clubs, although the Telegraph's Jason Burt hinted at the fact Chelsea are his longer-standing suitors, while United are relatively new to the race:

Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho has already made one world-class signing in attack with Lukaku, and former Benfica star Victor Lindelof brings defensive reinforcement, leaving midfield as the only area yet to be addressed.

But Chelsea will not want to allow another key target slip through their grasp, and Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard provided some understanding of how swiftly the club wish to wrap up Bakayoko's signature:

Alongside Brazilian Fabinho, Bakayoko formed a midfield crux that aided Monaco's run to the Ligue 1 title. That same midfield is well on its way to being broken up, however, with Bernardo Silva having already joined Manchester City this summer.

Winehouse wrote that Bakayoko is keener on a move to Stamford Bridge rather than joining United, but Chelsea will first need to satisfy Moncao's valuation of the player to have any chance winning his signature.