West Ham beat Milan to Bakayoko?

West Ham United have reportedly moved ahead of Milan in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Monaco have a €42m option to keep Bakayoko beyond this season, but they seem unlikely to activate it in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 26-year-old was reported to have offered himself to Milan, but Spanish outlet Transfer20 claims West Ham are making the most headway right now.

Chelsea paid €40m for his services in the summer of 2017, but his stock has fallen since his big move, compounded by the general curb on spending.

Transfer20 also writes Sevilla were interested in Bakayoko but withdrew from the running once COVID-19 became a global health emergency.

The Hammers appear keen to land a combative central midfielder, as seen by their interest in Fiorentina’s Erick Pulgar.