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Chelsea target Bakayoko committed to Monaco

London - Tiemoue Bakayoko says he won't leave Monaco during the January transfer window despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 22-year-old former Rennes midfielder appeared eager to leave the club he joined in 2014 after struggling with game time.

But having gone some way to establishing himself in Leonardo Jardim's side this season, Bakayoko says he wants to stay at "beautiful" Monaco.

Speaking to Eurosport, he said: "The idea of an exit crossed my mind at the start of the season.

"I didn't know what the club wanted to do with me. Maybe I wasn't putting in the necessary effort."

He added: "What triggered everything was the confidence of the coach. That changes everything. I needed to feel important in the team and take matters into my own hands.

"Friends told me [about the interest] but I don't pay it any attention. I've had a good first six months but the season is not over.

"I won't leave Monaco this winter, that's for sure. I don't want to leave. ASM are a beautiful club.

"Certainly the Premier League makes you dream but I have no reason to leave this winter. Today, I have two goals: to finish as a champion in France and to go as far as possible in the Champions League."

Bakayoko has scored two goals in 16 appearances for Les Rouges et Blancs this season.

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