Lyon have opened talks with Chelsea over a transfer for Tiemoue Bakayoko, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The 28 year old was close to joining Cremonese but the deal has now stalled due to his wage demands. Lyon are now looking to hijack the transfer.

If Bakayoko, whose Chelsea contract runs until 2024, makes the switch he’ll be able to play alongside future Blues right-back Malo Gusto who recently signed for Chelsea before heading back to Lyon on loan.

Bakayoko moved from Monaco to Chelsea in 2017 in a highly anticipated transfer worth around £40million.

However, he has not played for the Blues since his very poor first season in England, having been shipped out on various loan spells to AC Milan, Monaco, Napoli and now back to Milan.

Last week it was reported that Turkish club Adana Demirspor were interested in the 28-year-old, but the player rejected the move.