Newcastle United 'well positioned to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea'

Newcastle United are reportedly firmly in the hunt to sign Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko during this summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues from Monaco ahead of the 2017-18 campaign but found it difficult to make his mark in London and has spent the last two seasons out on loan.

The midfielder represented AC Milan during the 2018-19 season before returning to Monaco, making 23 appearances in his second spell with the club before the Ligue 1 campaign was called to a halt.

Bakayoko is due to return to Chelsea this summer, but the France international is allegedly not part of Frank Lampard's plans moving forward.

According to Le 10 Sport, Newcastle have made a 'first approach' for the central midfielder and are 'well positioned' to sign him during this summer's transfer window.

The Magpies could soon become comfortably the richest side in the Premier League as a Saudi consortium attempt to buy the club from current owner Mike Ashley.