Chelsea remain confident they will sign Tiemoue Bakayoko

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Tiemoue Bakayoko posted a photo next to a private jet on Monday
Midfielder had knee surgery, which could rule him out of the start of the season
That delayed a medical that had been planned for last month at Chelsea
Chelsea have offered £37m but Monaco want £40m plus add-ons for Bakayoko
And Manchester United have expressed an interest in the France international
But the champions are confident they will be able to snap up the 22-year-old

Published: 05:27 EDT, 11 July 2017 | Updated: 10:48 EDT, 11 July 2017

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Chelsea are very confident they will sign Tiemoue Bakayoko despite interest from Manchester United.

The Old Trafford side considered hijacking the deal for the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder - who teased fans with a photo of himself jetting off on Monday - by offering more than Chelsea, who have been chasing Bakayoko all summer.

They suggested they were willing to pay more than £40million for the France international while Chelsea were reluctant to up their offer of £37m.

Chelsea are confident they will add Tiemoue Bakayoko, despite Manchester United's interest

The young Monaco midfielder is a target for both of the giant Premier League sides

That offer, while not formally accepted by Monaco, put Chelsea on the brink of completing the deal until it was held up by Bakayoko requiring knee surgery.

But, despite the spectre of United stealing another signing from under Chelsea's noses, the champions are still confident they can snap up Bakayoko.

Jose Mourinho managed to swoop at the last minute and add Romelu Lukaku to his squad in a £75m deal, securing one of Conte's top targets.

Bakayoko is understood to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge rather than Old Trafford.

Monaco have proved they are shrewd transfer negotiators, securing impressive fees for a series of players including Anthony Martial to Manchester United and Bernardo Silva to Manchester City.

They set the price for Bakayoko at £40m plus add-ons and are still waiting for Chelsea to meet it.