Manchester United are on alert for a potential superstar midfield signing this summer. We have already seen the Red Devils linked with midfielders aplenty this summer, with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes seemingly the prime target, although the fee and potential competition from Tottenham could make that deal tricky to pull off.
Michael Carrick is clearly in the market for midfielders this summer, and he may end up signing more than one following the departure of Casemiro at the end of his contract.
According to reports in Spain, United are keeping an eye on one particular player who could become available at some point this summer.
Man Utd watching for Tchouameni opportunity
Tchouameni Real MadridAction Images
United are said to be closely monitoring the situation of Real Madrid midfielder Aurélian Tchouameni, who could be expended by José Mourinho this summer. Real Madrid are on the lookout for a Galactico midfield signing to take their midfield to the next level, and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has been heavily linked with a £120million move to the Bernabeu.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Tchouameni will be made available by Real Madrid if they do sign a pricey midfielder this summer, and the France World Cup star will not be short of suitors. He made 49 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions last season, and he is a particularly versatile player, able to play in his natural holding role, as well as a little further forward and at full-back.
According to the report, United are monitoring Tchouameni in case he becomes available, and they will go 'all out' for a deal if he is.
Why do Man Utd want Tchouameni?
Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for FranceSarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
Tchouameni is clearly among some of the best holding midfielders, even if he is not quite at the very top level, which is occupied by Vitinha, Declan Rice, Rodri and so on. The 26-year-old's versatility is undoubtedly a draw, but he hasn't had it easy at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman, described as having the potential to be "one of the best midfielders in the world" by former Monaco coach Robert Moreno, has had to prove a lot of people wrong, and he was constantly challenged to improve under Carlo Ancelotti, who was critical of him as a young player. He did eventually win over the Italian, and he has become a vital player at the Bernabeu since.
Ancelott said of Tchouameni during his final season at Real Madrid: "Today everyone delivered (against Man City), including him. He has returned to his position and when he is there, he shows all his quality.
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"He is very strong, forceful in duels and is always very well positioned defensively. I think the duo with [Dani] Ceballos, who is a different player, is good for the team. Because Dani is more of a possession player and Aurelien is more physical. Someone focused on the defensive aspect.
"Tchouameni... What else can I say? He is a very important player, very important for us. Because he has the exact characteristics. He will never be Kroos, Modric or Ceballos. But Ceballos cannot be Tchouameni, just as Kroos and Modric aren't."
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the supporters Related
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