According to reports in The Independent, Chelsea are said to be closing in on a £42m deal to sign Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko that could see midfielder Nemanja Matic leave to join Manchester United this summer.

Blues manager Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen his squad following their Premier League title win and return to the Group Stages of the Champions League next season, and one of the areas he is looking to improve is in the middle of the park.

With PFA Player of the Year N’Golo Kante, Matic and Cesc Fabregas the preferred options there throughout the campaign, the Italian boss seemingly wants more depth.

Those plans could be hindered by the fact that Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is interested in bringing the Serbian international – who he managed during his time at Stamford Bridge – to Old Trafford.

Here are three reasons Chelsea must not sell Matic to Manchester United…

He is a key part of the side

Alongside N’Golo Kante, Matic became a key part of Chelsea’s title-winning side with the duo often winning the midfield battle against other engine rooms in Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

As well as providing a defensive base when needed, the 28-year-old also scored one goal – as well as a stunning strike against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-finals – as well as showing his creative ability by providing a further eight assists.

Having made such an impact and kept Cesc Fabregas out of the side, there is no doubt that the Serbian should still have a big part to play at the Bridge.

They’re a direct rival

While they may have finished in sixth position in the Premier League and a massive 24 points behind the Blues, there is no doubt that United are still a direct rival for Chelsea – especially next season.

Jose Mourinho is still moulding his Red Devils team and he is likely to make some significant additions this summer that will allow them to not only challenge for the top flight title, but also make an impact in the Champions League too.

If Chelsea want to retain the league trophy, they should not be selling key players to a fellow challenger.

Increased fixture list

Last season Chelsea were fighting on only three fronts having failed to qualify for Europe the previous campaign, and it meant that Antonio Conte was able to stick to almost the same starting XI throughout.

With the added Champions League fixture congestion next term, the Italian will need a bigger squad and more options.

There will certainly be enough playing time for Matic even if Bakayoko does move to Stamford Bridge, and as a result it would be mad to move him on.

Do you agree, Blues fans? Let us know below.