Manchester United are interested in signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, lodging an enquiry as they bid to revamp their midfield in the summer transfer window
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 30: Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France celebrates win the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Aurelien Tchouameni is a target for Manchester United(Image: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Real Madrid are open to selling Aurelien Tchouameni in a major boost to Manchester United's chances of signing him. Tchouameni, 26, has just got back from helping France reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, playing an integral role in Didier Deschamps' side.
But throughout the tournament, his future at club level was a hot topic. United have a long-standing interest in Tchouameni, who Real boss Jose Mourinho initially planned to keep after returning to the Bernabeu this summer.
However, the Sun report that Real are now prepared to let the midfielder go at the right price. The La Liga giants have been linked with a big-money move for Manchester City star Rodri and might need to drum up funds.
United's interest is said to have ramped up since the World Cup ended, with Tchouameni out of contract in 2028. It was reported in Spain earlier this month that Real and the Frenchman had agreed a new five-year deal, although there's been no confirmation.
United have already signed two midfielders this summer, paying a combined £85m for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. But with Manuel Ugarte expected to miss most of the season because of a serious knee injury, the Red Devils want to add a third.
Their search for a specialist defensive midfielder has led them to Tchouameni, whose experience of starting the 2022 World Cup final and winning the Champions League in 2024 appeals to United. The former Monaco star also suits United's preferred age range for signings - between 22 and 26.
BOSTON, UNITED STATES - JUNE 26: Aurelien Tchouameni of France during the World Cup match between Norway v France at the Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Boston United States (Photo by Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Aurelien Tchouameni's contract with Real Madrid expires in 2028(Image: Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Real's pursuit of Rodri could therefore prove to be a double boost for United, as local rivals City would be losing one of their best players. However, Los Blancos could wait until Rodri's contract expires next summer and sign him on a free.
As for Tchouameni, ex-Real midfielder and French compatriot Claude Makelele has warned Bernabeu chiefs not to sell him. Makelele told DAZN: "He was the only player who performed consistently from start to finish.
"Mourinho isn't a fool; he's a good manager, one of the best managers. He knows he's going to need a strong squad to be able to win La Liga."