Manchester United have certainly impressed this season, yet there’s still a long way to go for the Red Devils and Jose Mourinho.

Super away victories have been stalled by home draws and for over 100 days, sixth place seemed inescapable. In terms of next season though, there’s a lot to be excited about with high expectations under the Special One.

It proves a hope spurred on by a great number of ambitious and mouth-watering transfer rumours. One move regards Tiemoue Bakayoko and it seems the 22-year-old is just one condition away from putting pen to paper.

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Rising star

Bakayoko is far from the biggest name in European football right now, but the Frenchman is enjoying excellent form with AS Monaco. Besides, the lack of a big-name status certainly didn’t hinder Antony Martial.

The defensive midfielder has racked up 41 appearances this season – highlighting his importance to the side. Along the electric form of his teammates, it has seen Monaco command a three point lead over Paris Saint-Germain.

Therefore, Bakayoko is well on course for his first piece of silverware and a hard earned thrust into the spotlight.

While Radamel Falcao and Kylian Mbappe have been lapping up the limelight, Bakayoko has been doing the dirty work behind the scenes. That being said, he wasn’t camera shy upon heading home against Manchester City.

It was at that point that rumours linking the Frenchman with Manchester United really started to escalate. After all, compatriot Martial was somewhat keen to congratulate the midfielder and tweeted:

It might not be the last time, either. Having sent Pep Guardiola packing from Europe, Bakayoko will feature once again in the Champions League as Monaco attempt to traverse the challenge posed by Borussia Dortmund.

A chance to show his talent to Mourinho once again, no doubt.

One condition

However, Bakayoko switching Monaco for Manchester depends on one key condition and it certainly makes sense. According to the Manchester Evening News, Champions League football is nothing short of a necessity.

Furthermore, United currently sit in fifth place and have missed out on the competition for two of the last three seasons. That being said, their two games in hand over Liverpool serves to inspire some optimism.

The importance of this condition is exemplified by the amount of competition United will face.

A source close to Bakayoko told MEN the following: "Tiemoue is listening to some clubs from England, including Manchester United, but there is nothing concrete right now.

"Manchester United is a big club and [Jose] Mourinho is a big coach, and Tiemoue needs a big coach to continue his progression.

"He wants to play in the Champions League and it will be a worry for a club that does not play in it. It will inevitably be taken into account."

In addition, as per the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old has ‘always dreamed’ of a move to PSG. It’s even fathomable, as a result, that the player could move to the side that Monaco have spent the past seven months trying to keep at bay.

It’s a complicated situation and one that applies an unimaginable impetus on the Red Devils making the top four. If United can’t escape fifth place though, even the persuasive words of wisdom of Martial might not cut it.

Mourinho won’t let £35 million-worth of talent slop through his fingers that easily, however.

Do you think Tiemoue Bakayoko would be a success in the Premier League? Have YOUR say in the comment box below