Real Madrid are ‘open to offers’ for a highly-rated player, according to reports – and a move could have a huge bearing on the Premier League title race.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the player in previous seasons, but he could prove to be an all-important signing in their pursuit of the league title this season.
Of course, the mood around Anfield is one of excitement at the moment, with Arne Slot’s side sitting top of both the Premier League and the 36-team Champions League group phase heading into the festive period.
Mohamed Salah is firing on all cylinders, having registered 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 24 appearances for the Reds this term.
Virgil van Dijk has been in excellent form, while less obviously ‘number six’ Ryan Gravenberch has gone from strength to strength under the tutelage of Slot.
However, a potential concern for the league leaders will be the prospect of injuries to their key players, with some accusing Liverpool of lacking depth in key positions – namely in central midfield.
If Gravenberch sustains an injury, the level of his potential replacements is arguably not that of champions-elect, with Wataru Endo likely to come in if the Dutchman misses a game through injury or suspension.
Last summer, the club tried and failed to sign Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, which essentially left them short in the position.
However, an update has emerged regarding a potential move for Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Credit:Getty)
Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Credit:Getty)
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, “Arne Slot has given the green light" to the move with the La Liga side thought to be “open to considering offers that align with their economic interests”.
Tchouameni, 24, joined Madrid from Monaco for £68.3m plus £17m in add-ons in the summer of 2022, as reported by BBC Sport%20in%20add%2Dons.).
And despite having obvious talent, he has failed to kick on at Los Blancos and has even been used as a centre-back on several occasions this season.
His current contract is set to run until June 2028, with the player currently valued at €100m (£83m) by Transfermarkt.
However, it is unclear if Liverpool would be willing to spend such a large amount on ‘potential’ rather than ‘proven’ talent.
In November, the Fichajes reported that Liverpool were 'preparing' a bid for the player thought to be worth £50m.
The player was previously linked with a move to Liverpool before he joined Madrid and even admitted that he watched Premier League games.
"I like both [Real] Madrid and Liverpool]: I can watch Spanish games and English games," he told CNN in 2022.
"It's different to play in Spain, and it's different to play in England, but at the end, for me, it's just a matter of adaptation.”
"I'm an ambitious person,” he added.