Chelsea transfer report: Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko to miss pre-season amid reports of move to Stamford Bridge

Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss the start of the French club's pre-season schedule with a move to Chelsea imminent, according to reports in France.

The all-action midfielder was due to report back for training this week alongside his team-mates, who were crowned Ligue 1 champions last term.

But, according to L'Equipe, the 22-year-old will not be present with a transfer to Stamford Bridge now said to be close to completion.

The Premier League champions have been tracking Bakayoko all season and have reportedly made him one of their key targets.

The future of Nemanja Matic, who is a target for Manchester United, remains unclear and Chelsea want to land Bakayoko as a potential replacement.

The west London club have had a largely frustrating transfer window so far having missed out on former player Romelu Lukaku but they did complete the signing of Antonio Rudiger over the weekend.

Now it has been reported that they want to make it two in quick succession with Bakayoko seemingly on his way.

However, further reports on Monday morning have claimed United are also interested in the 22-year-old and could be plotting to hijack Chelsea's move - read more of that story here!