Ray Wilkins insists Chelsea will be wasting their money by splashing out £35million on Tiemoue Bakayoko.

The Premier League champions are understood to be closing in on the signing of the Monaco defensive midfielder.

But Wilkins reckons Antonio Conte should abandon a deal for the 22-year-old and instead put his faith in Nathaniel Chalobah [below].

Chalobah, who is the same age as Bakayoko, has impressed for England Under-21s at the European Championship finals this summer in a defensive midfield role, and Wilkins believes the homegrown star can be a key player for Chelsea if given a chance.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, the former Blues star and assistant boss said: “I was really disappointed to read they are looking at Bakayoko from Monaco. He is 22 years of age, French and doesn’t get near the national side, but it was quoted Chelsea might be paying £32million.

“Well, in Nathaniel they have got a footballer that can play exactly the same but just needs an opportunity to get in there and play.

“You have seen already in the two games he has played up to now [at the European Championship] he looks a class act in and amongst people of his own age. Playing with the top quality players that they have at Chelsea, he can only improve week to week.”