Manchester United target replaces Pogba in France squad

The French Football Federation have announced Monaco midfielder and Manchester United target Tiemoue Bakayoko has received his first senior call-up to replace the injured Paul Pogba.

The United midfielder was forced to withdraw from the France squad for their upcoming matches against Luxembourg and Spain after stressing his hamstring muscle during United’s 1-0 win over Rostov on Thursday.

Pogba was suspended for their World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg anyway and could do with some rest after struggling to live up to his world record price tag at times during the season.

However, while the 24-year-old will now be sidelined until next month, it allows Didier Deschamps to have a further look at Bakayoko, who has excelled in midfield for a free-scoring Monaco outfit this season.

Bakayoko, 22, has previously represented France through the under age groups up until Under-21 level and has been rewarded for his fine campaign that has already seen him emerge as a key transfer target for the likes of Chelsea and United.

In fact, only three players have won possession in the midfield third more times in Ligue 1 this season than Bakayoko (131).

For more stats on Tiemoue Bakayoko, click here to visit his WhoScored player page