Michael Carrick targets a marquee midfield anchor as Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri reignites United's hopes of luring the French star to Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United's current midfield situation.
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Manchester United's 26/27 is well underway as the club has begun their European pre-season tour with a 1-0 loss to Wrexham. The games will be coming thick and fast as Michael Carrick's side will be taking on Norwegian side Rosenborg on Friday, with JJ Gabriel touted for a potential debut.
With that being said, this stage of the transfer window is arguably the most important for the club. Any signing would have the opportunity to settle into the squad and understand Carrick's system.
The Red Devils take on Hull City in the first game of the Premier League in a month, so ideally the majority of the new signings will arrive in time for the game.
On the list for the club is still that marquee replacement for Casemiro to complete the midfield rebuild.
The Aurélien Tchouaméni saga may not have lasted a long time compared to other names like Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, but it was still a rumour that dragged on. It ultimately came to an end when he agreed an extension in principle to remain at Real Madrid.
However, recent news has shown that more life could be left in a deal for the French midfielder, as it was widely reported he could leave to fund other deals.
After Spain won the World Cup, there have been numerous reports linking Rodri to Los Blancos. According to Spanish Journalist Alberto Pereiro, Jose Mourinho wants the Spaniard in his squad. This was reinforced by Matteo Morretto, who has claimed that despite the huge financial package Manchester City have offered Rodri, he is yet to respond as he wants to see what Madrid do.
With this news, it is no surprise to see United linked with Tchouaméni. According to Samuel Luckhurst, the club has enquired once again about the Frenchman, as they are not deterred by him agreeing a contract extension which is yet to be formally announced. With news linking Rodri to the Spanish capital, it has only added to United's desire to lure Tchouaméni.
Tchouaméni would be one of the best options that would be the icing on the cake after the club brought on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. His defensive prowess would mean that United would have almost every profile they need going forward.
However, as was the case last time the club were linked, this feels unlikely once again. Fabrizio Romano said as such when he revealed that although Rodri is pushing for a move to Spain, Florentino Perez is yet to give the green light on the deal, and it all depends on him.
In addition to this, it has widely been reported that Eduardo Camavinga is the midfielder that Los Blancos would prefer to move on with, Jose Mourinho still keen to keep ahold of Tchouaméni.
United so far have opted to move with speed and in the shadows, so it would not be surprising to see the club working on a deal for a player that has not been widely reported on, like Sander Berge.