Chelsea manager Antonio Conte holds key in Manchester United efforts to sign Nemanja Matic

Chelsea star Nemanja Matic's hope of joining his former manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United depends on the Blues signing another midfielder after completing a deal for AS Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko.

According to the Daily Mail, the France international is edging closer towards completing a move to Stamford Bridge. Bakayoko is unlikely to be the only midfielder joining the Premier League winners this summer.

The west London club's manager Antonio Conte wants to bring in another midfielder. The Italian manager will allow Matic's sale to United, only after Chelsea complete the second midfielder signing following Bakayoko's capture.

Matic was re-signed by Chelsea in January 2014, when Mourinho was in charge at Chelsea. He played a key role under the Portuguese tactician's last league win and also impressed while playing alongside N'Golo Kante in their title-winning campaign last season.

The Serbian international has two years left on his contract and Chelsea will be looking for a fee around £40m ($51.9m) from United for their star player. It is believed that the 20-time English champions are willing to meet the Blues' asking price for Matic.

However, with Conte wanting to sign a replacement for Matic before allowing him to leave could make it complicated for United.

On the other hand, Chelsea hierarchy is ready to sanction the sale of the players whose services are no longer required at Stamford Bridge. The list includes Matic, who is joined by star striker Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Nathan Ake. The latter completed a permanent switch to AFC Bournemouth on 30 June.

Costa has publicly revealed how Conte informed him that his services are no longer required at Chelsea. With the Brazil-born Spain international set for Stamford Bridge exit, the Blues will also be in the market for a new striker.

United have already secured the services of Victor Lindelof, who arrived at Old Trafford from Benfica. The Guardian reported that Matic is set to become the Red Devils' second summer signing. Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be looking to bring in a second midfielder this summer or allow the Serbian to join Mourinho's side following Bakayoko's imminent arrival.