**Reports continue to link Liverpool with a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, a favourite of the reinstated sporting director Julian Ward.**
Ward tried to sign Tchouameni in his first stint as sporting director, but the French midfielder opted to complete an £80m move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid instead.
Now, with Tchouameni not a guaranteed starter for Madrid despite a new contract in the summer, Liverpool are circling once again.
The Frenchman’s new contract is worth a [reported](https://www.capology.com/player/aurelien-tchouameni-36552/) €300k-a-week.
According to [TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/aurelien-tchouameni-contact-transfer-liverpool-despite-new-real-madrid-deal), Liverpool were in contact with Madrid and the midfielder in the summer and remain in contact over a future move to Anfield should his minutes remain capped at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Tchouameni is exactly what Liverpool’s midfield needs, although it will be an expensive operation and a continuation of the influx of French talent to Anfield after Jacquet, Barcola and Ekitike.
Bailey reports: _“Liverpool have kept the lines of communication open with Aurelien Tchouameni’s camp despite the French midfielder agreeing a new long-term contract with Real Madrid, TEAMtalk understands._
_“The Reds are long-term admirers of the French international and spoke to Real Madrid about a potential deal during the summer, when there was interest in taking the midfielder to Anfield._
_“Manchester United were also interested in Tchouameni, but the situation changed after the 25-year-old held talks with new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho and subsequently agreed terms on a new long-term contract._
_“That new deal did not end Liverpool’s interest, however, with sources indicating that the club have maintained communication with the player’s camp._
_“We understand Liverpool would consider a move for a midfielder of sufficient calibre, and Tchouameni would firmly fall into that category._
_“The Frenchman remains committed to fighting for his position at Real Madrid and is continuing to compete for regular football under Mourinho._
_“The key question now is whether Tchouameni establishes himself as one of Mourinho’s first-choice starters as the season progresses._
_“Despite committing his future to Real Madrid, we understand Tchouameni would not be prepared to accept a role as merely a squad player at the Santiago Bernabeu._
_“That could become significant for Liverpool if the midfielder’s situation changes and he begins to reassess his position at the Spanish giants._
_“For now, Liverpool are not actively pushing for a deal and Tchouameni remains a Real Madrid player with a new long-term contract.”_