Manchester United could sign Schneiderlin replacement this month

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could step up his interest in Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko this month with Morgan Schneiderlin set to join Everton for £22m, reports ESPN.

Mourinho had earmarked Bakayoko as a priority for the upcoming summer but could now accelerate his pursuit of the Monaco midfielder in a bid to fend off interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Antonio Conte is also reportedly keeping an eye on Bakayoko’s development and, like United, could look to use the windfall from Oscar’s £52m move to China to sign the 22-year-old ace.

The Monaco midfielder has been a star in their stellar start to the season and Mourinho has earmarked the France U-21 international as the ideal long-term replacement for 35-year-old Michael Carrick, while also perfectly complimenting the qualities of Paul Pogba, which United struggled to do before Carrick’s re-introduction to the first team.

Leonardo Jardim’s side will not want to do business in January to lose any of their star players as they are only two points adrift of Ligue 1 leaders Nice and due to face Manchester City in the next round of the Champions League.

Only Benjamin Andre (126) has won possession more times in the middle third than Bakayoko in Ligue 1 this season (90).

For more stats on Tiemoue Bakayoko, click here to visit his WhoScored player page