Manchester United could miss out on signing midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni following Real Madrid’s statement on Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez.
The Red Devils have already secured a verbal agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but they are determined to add another marquee signing in the department.
Mateus Fernandez was the club’s priority target for several weeks, but the Portugal international has now joined Tottenham Hotspur for around £85 million.
United are now likely to explore an alternative. It has been claimed that the Red Devils could look into a deal for Tchouameni, but that door may now be closed.
Earlier on Friday, Madrid dropped an official statement confirming that they are not looking to sign Fernandez and have no intention of doing so in future.
Los Blancos’ stance on Fernandez could be bad news for the Red Devils, as it suggests the La Liga giants are likely to keep hold of Tchouameni, who joined them for an initial £68m from Monaco.
Madrid have not been linked with any high-profile midfielders aside from Fernandez.
Their formal response to the transfer speculation probably means manager Jose Mourinho is happy with his current midfield options as he prepares for the new season.
United have had a difficult summer, having missed out on signing two of their main midfield targets. Manchester City recently beat them to Elliot Anderson’s signature.
Sandro Tonali was also on their radar at some point, but the huge financial figures involved meant that the club distanced themselves before his move to Spurs from Newcastle United.
Aside from Tchouameni, United have recently been linked with Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, but he is still relatively inexperienced at 18 and may not be seen as a marquee acquisition.
The French outfit want a staggering £86m for an immediate transfer. Bouaddi was outperformed by Fernandes last term, and United need to look elsewhere for an elite number six.