Manchester United are looking to sign a Real Madrid star in the summer transfer window, should incoming manager Jose Mourinho be willing to cash-in.
Gary Neville names the signings Man Utd must make this summer
Having secured a return to the Champions League, Man United should be in a strong position to attract some top players this summer, and it is a good job, with Gary Neville making it clear reinforcements are needed in a number of key areas.
“They definitely need back-up at full-back. Both sides, I would say,” the former right-back said.
“In an ideal world you’d bring three defenders in. They need one of them [like Piero Hincapie and Ben White at Arsenal] that can play in two positions and support, then they need another top centre-back and a left-back. I think three defenders would be perfect.
“Then they need two midfielders, in an ideal world you’d think that five would be perfect. Then if you were being really greedy you’d then swap out Mason Mount for another forward of some kind.
Signing a new central midfielder is on the agenda, with Casemiro set to leave, and the Red Devils have identified several potential targets from within the Premier League.
The Athletic have now dropped a new update on Man United’s pursuit of a midfielder, with a report stating officials are in position to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, should Real Madrid express a willingness to cash-in this summer, and contact has been made.
Mourinho is poised to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, and he will want to run the rule over Tchouameni first, which means a deal may not be possible until a later stage of the summer transfer window.
However, the ‘turmoil’ at Madrid suggests a departure could be on the cards, which would be welcome news for United, given the level of some of the Frenchman’s performances for the Spanish side.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s key stats this season
The 26-year-old has once again been a very important player for Real Madrid this season, making 49 appearances in all competitions, during which time he’s amassed two goals and two assists.
Given that he flourishes from a defensive point of view, the 44-cap France international has predominantly featured in a defensive midfield role, and an average of 1.6 interceptions per 90 in La Liga is the most of any Madrid player.
A versatile player, Tchouameni is also capable of filling in at centre-back when required, receiving plaudits from Carlo Ancelotti for his ability to slot into the defence.
A deal could be very expensive though, with a potential fee of £87m previously being touted.
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