Manchester United could turn to Nemanja Matic if they miss out on Tiemoue Bakayoko to Chelsea.

United and Chelsea have been locked in a battle over Bakayoko for months, and whilst The Red Devils have not thrown in the towel for the French midfielder – they are known to have asked their Premier League rivals about the Serb.

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Matic played a major role in Chelsea’s title success under Antonio Conte and started 30-league games, but it is believed the Italian is keen to bolster that area and Bakayoko is one man close to the top of their list.

United are also very much eager to land Bakayoko and are in constant communication with Monaco about him – together with his team-mates Benjamin Mendy and Fabinho – who can also play in defensive midfield.

I understand Bakayoko is yet to be given the green-light by Monaco to officially open talks but he is keen to get his future resolved, although so are half of Leonardo Jardim’s fist-team – which has already lost Bernardo Silva to Manchester City this summer.

Jose Mourinho wants to increase his options in the defensive midfield role, which were woefully short, as and when Michael Carrick was not available.

Mourinho knows Matic very well from his time at Chelsea and would clearly not be adverse to taking the 28-year-old.

United have also been strongly linked to Paris Saint Germain’s Blaise Matuidi and Tottenham’s Eric Dier in recent weeks.

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