Manchester United have been handed a potentially huge boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
According to a report, Real Madrid are open to selling Tchouameni as they continue to reshape their squad after a poor 2025-26 season.
United are planning a major midfield rebuild of their own and Tchouameni remains firmly on their shortlist of elite targets.
While agreeing a transfer fee may not be the biggest obstacle, convincing the 26-year-old to leave the Santiago Bernabeu could prove a far more difficult challenge.
Tchouameni could be the ideal Casemiro successor
Casemiro will officially leave the club as a free agent at the end of this month.
There are also growing doubts surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte, who is increasingly expected to head for the Old Trafford exit door.
United have already secured an agreement with Atalanta for the arrival of Ederson next month but the Red Devils are likely to add at least one more midfielder.
Tchouameni could be a dream signing for INEOS.
His situation at Madrid has become increasingly intriguing following a dressing-room altercation with Federico Valverde.
Valverde remains one of the most influential and untouchable figures at the club.
As a result, Madrid could decide that sacrificing the France superstar is the easiest solution to preserve harmony within the squad.
Like Casemiro in his prime, Tchouameni dominates aerial duels and provides a commanding physical presence in midfield.
He combines that strength with aggressive tackling and excellent positional awareness.
INEOS have already given a transfer hint to his agents but may have to make him one of the highest earners in the squad if they want to lure him to the Theatre of Dreams.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com