Manchester United will be looking to add some star quality to Michael Carrick's squad this summer as the club prepares for their return to the Champions League this season.
The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League under the interim management of Carrick, who has since been given the job on a permanent basis.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes was named Premier League player of the season after breaking the record for most assists in one season (21) and United are hoping to add more world-class talent to their roster ahead of the new campaign.
One of the major positions discussed as one in need of reinforcement is the midfield after the departure of Casemiro, with Manuel Ugarte also expected to leave Old Trafford this summer. A catalogue of names have been linked to United, but one of the biggest stories has been the potential capture of Real Madrid star Aurélien Tchouaméni.
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Tchouameni Real MadridAction Images
A recent report has suggested that long-term United target Mateus Fernandes is set to be subject to an increased effort from Real Madrid to sign the young Portuguese star, but that would have a positive knock-on effect for the Red Devils.
Tchouaméni is expected to leave Real this summer if José Mourinho brings in a new midfielder, and United are thought to be prepared to bounce if that situation arises.
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick celebrates Premier League win over Liverpool at Old Trafford Related
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It was thought that the English giants had pinpointed the Frenchman as a serious target after he was involved in an altercation with Real captain Federico Valverde in training which left Valverde needing to go to hospital with "cranioencephalic trauma".
However, according to ESPN journalist Rodra, Tchouaméni's agents "met with United before the incident" with Valverde, suggesting that the Red Devils have been plotting a move for longer than some reports have suggested.
Man United should sign Tchouaméni over Fernandes
Tchouameni Real MadridAction Images
If Manchester United have the choice between signing Fernandes or Tchouaméni, a deal for the latter would make more sense at this stage.
Although blessed with exciting potential, Fernandes' two seasons at Premier League level have been for relegated teams. The Portuguese starred for both West Ham United and Southampton but the step up to a club of United or Real's calibre would be significant for the 21-year-old.
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderlandvia Reuters
Meanwhile, Tchouaméni is far more experienced. The Frenchman is currently playing at his second World Cup for France and has just shy of 200 appearances for Real, winning the Champions League and La Liga.
The midfielder has been described as "the best DM in the world" and appears to be at the peak of his career.
It certainly isn't impossible for Fernandes to eventually reach such heights, but whoever buys the Portuguese will be investing in what he could become. Tchouaméni can immediately bring world-class quality to Old Trafford.