Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni won’t be leaving Real Madrid this summer, according to reports.
Both the Reds and Manchester United have been credited with an interest, and TuttoJuve.com claim that the two Premier League clubs had “carefully monitored” his situation in recent months, along with Juventus.
However, the re-election of Florentino Perez as Real’s president and the subsequent appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager has had a massive bearing on the future of Tchouameni.
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It is believed that Mourinho has made it known to his new employers that the France international is a key player.
Tchouameni was said to be on the market for £70m
There has been more than one credible report in recent weeks suggesting that the midfielder would leave the Bernabeu during the summer transfer window.
The main reason for that assumption was Real’s interest in Rodri and Enzo Fernandez. There would have been a need to raise funds and make room for new additions in the middle of the park.
To that end, it was said that Tchouameni could be sold for £70m, but it now seems he will be staying put, no matter who else is recruited over the coming days and weeks.
Who could Liverpool sign instead?
There has been a lot of talk about the Reds making a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, but those rumours predated the sacking of Arne Slot and the appointment of Andoni Iraola.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has also been mentioned as a possible option, but United appear to be the favourites for the Portuguese international’s signature.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is another name that has been thrown around recently, although you do wonder whether the speculation is simply related to his former manager taking over at Anfield
While many fans feel that the midfield department could do with an overhaul, it does seem as if the primary focus for sporting director Richard Hughes is to sign two wingers and (potentially) another right-back.
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