Manchester United are interested in signing Aurelien Tchouameni this summer as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his midfield as he starts the season in charge at Old Trafford for the first time
Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni has been the subject of transfer speculation with Manchester United keen on the midfielder(Image: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Real Madrid may be rubbing their hands together after tying Aurelien Tchouameni to a three-year contract extension. The Spanish giants made the move, in part, because they did not believe that Manchester City star Rodri was available, but now it could simply leave them in the position to command a significant fee for the Frenchman.
Los Blancos offered Tchouameni a better salary to tie him down, but in order to make a significant incoming transfer, are required to make a significant sale, per the National. The agreed contract extension warded off any danger of losing the former Monaco star for free in the near future.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United ran background checks on Tchouameni a number of months ago and are interested in a deal if he becomes available. It may be cross-city rivals City that have a decisive role in any successful move by Old Trafford chiefs for the 26-year-old's signature, however.
Reportedly, Real Madrid believe that Rodri could be available, though they are looking at multiple transfer deals. City are understood to be unwilling to sell the Spanish midfielder for the moment, meaning uncertainty over Jose Mourinho's midfield and Tchouameni could persist.
Michael Carrick has already added two central midfielders to his squad this summer. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have been added to a group that includes Kobbie Mainoo and more attacking options in Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
There were good signs from Andrey on his first one. He’s getting in the rhythm and feel of it again, so it was good to see him in a red shirt," Carrick explained following the Brazilian's pre-season debut against Wrexham.
Rodri celebrates the victory in the dressing room after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is wanted by Real Madrid
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At City, Enzo Maresca has said Rodri would 'be back with us' and that he wasn't worried by the transfer talk surrounding his star midfielder. The Ballon d'Or contender has been offered fresh terms by the club ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
After losing Bernardo Silva, City have already added Elliot Anderson for £116million, and are interested in Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi. It remains to be seen how that interplays with Rodri's future.
A move for Tchouameni could also be foiled if Vinicius Junior moves to Arsenal. Real Madrid have yet to agree a new contract for the winger and the Gunners are prepared to make a significant deal to sign him, meaning that Los Blancos may not be required to make a second lofty sale to bring in cash.
United have also been linked to Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Brighton's Alex Scott.