Man United's pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni has become one of the longest-running transfer stories involving the club.
The France international has reportedly been admired at Old Trafford since his breakthrough at Monaco, and that interest has never completely disappeared.
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Even after Real Madrid signed him as Casemiro's successor in 2022, United continued monitoring his development whenever questions emerged over his future in Spain.
Earlier this summer, Fabrizio Romano even described Tchouaméni as United's "dream" midfield target internally, highlighting just how highly the club rate the 26-year-old, and it isn't hard to understand why.
Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, Tchouameni has developed into one of Europe's most complete defensive midfielders.
Across more than 190 appearances for Real, he has won the Champions League and domestic trophies galore while proving equally comfortable shielding the defence, progressing the ball or even filling in at centre-back when injuries demanded it.
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Reports earlier this month suggested Tchouameni had reached an agreement in principle over a new contract until 2031, apparently closing the door on any immediate departure.
Even so, United's admiration has remained unchanged.
According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Michael Carrick's side have not given up hope despite reports of Tchouameni agreeing fresh terms with Real.
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Luckhurst reports that United have made a fresh enquiry for the French midfielder and are not discouraged by suggestions of a new contract because no official announcement has yet been made.
He also states that José Mourinho wanted to keep Tchouameni at the Bernabeu, although growing links between the Spanish giants and Rodri have added fresh intrigue to the situation following Spain's World Cup triumph.
That does not mean a transfer is anywhere near close, but it provides fresh hope that the door could be open for United to make a move.
Real have consistently insisted Tchouaméni remains a fundamental part of their long-term plans, and even if Rodri eventually arrives, there is no guarantee the Frenchman would become available.
However, United are right to ask the question, and this is exactly the sort of ambition supporters want to see, although reports claim he is valued at around £70m.
Tchouameni would instantly improve almost any midfield in world football. Completing the deal may be extremely difficult, but United have little to lose by testing Real's resolve while uncertainty continues around the Spanish club's midfield plans.
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