Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be linked with a summer move to Manchester United as Michael Carrick looks to bolster his midfield options
Aurelien Tchouameni reacts
Man Utd are interested in Real Madrid and France star Aurelien Tchouameni (Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United could potentially sign Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni in August - if Rodri joins the Spanish giants by then. The French midfielder has reportedly signed a contract extension at Los Blancos, but the La Liga side are yet to confirm it, leading to hope at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are open to signing a third midfielder this summer after Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious injury during the recent World Cup. United have signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa so far, but Michael Carrick's squad lacks a specialist defensive midfielder.
That has led to links with former Monaco star Tchouameni. It is understood that United have conducted background checks on the 26-year-old several months ago and are keen on a deal should he become available.
And despite confusion over whether the No.8 has signed a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real have been linked with a big-money move for Manchester City star Rodri and may need to drum up funds.
The Spanish giants have stepped up their interest in the 30-year-old, who is into the final year of his City contract. Rodri has been offered fresh terms by the Blues, but the deal remains unsigned, and his future this summer remains uncertain.
The Spanish World Cup winner has undergone surgery and is expected to remain out of action for a few weeks. When back to full fitness though - Real could make their move and sign him.
Rodri looks on
Rodri could hold the key to Man Utd signing Tchouameni(Image: Getty Images)
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That means United could then have an opening to acquire Tchouameni in mid-August. Carrick's men have until the summer transfer window closes on September 1 to sign him.
At City, new Blues manager Enzo Maresca has insisted that Rodri would 'be back with us' and that he was not concerned by the transfer speculation surrounding his star midfielder.
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The Spaniard has been presented with fresh terms by the club ahead of his contract expiring next summer, and Maresca is relaxed about the situation.
He said: "We have to say that around big players there are always speculation. I'm not worried about that, it's normal.
"They won the World Cup and he was one of the best players.
"Every manager wants to have Rodri, but now surgery. He needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back here with us."