Manchester United have identified unwanted Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko as a potential Paul Pogba replacement, according to reports.
The midfielder spent last season on loan at AC Milan and has returned to Stamford Bridge for pre-season, though Frank Lampard has reportedly deemed him surplus to requirements.
And according to RMC Sport Bakayoko has now emerged as a surprise target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United consider players to replace Pogba if he left for either Real Madrid or Juventus.
MEN Sport understands United remain confident that Pogba will stay despite comments made by his agent Mina Raiola that the player wants to leave. The Reds have been linked with Tottenham's Christian Eriksen, Lazio playmaker Sergej Milinković-Savić and Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes in terms of attacking midfield replacements for Pogba.
The report on Bakayoko claims that Arsenal are also in the race.
However The Times claims United and Arsenal have both been granted permission to talk to Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina. MEN Sport understands United have enquired about the Gabon midfielder's availability amid suggestions that he wants to leave St Mary's this summer.
The 25-year-old has indicated that he sees his future elsewhere, saying: “I want to start afresh so why not leave?
“We have very good discussions with the club. We are in agreement. If I don’t feel good in this project, I can leave. They are giving me the opportunity to be able to go elsewhere.”
Finally, it has been claimed that United boss Solskjaer has held showdown talks with Romelu Lukaku "begging" the striker to stay at the club.
The Belgian is interested in a move to Inter Milan this summer, with Solskjaer — according to The Sun — telling the striker to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place. Juventus and Napoli have also been linked with the former Everton striker.
