Manchester United are targeting a third midfield signing this summer and have identified their top target.
Manchester United's current midfield situation.
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Manchester United's summer transfer plans this summer have centred around revamping the midfield following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's injury, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for an extended period of time.
United had agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, but decided not to finalise the deal following concerns over the Brazilian midfielder's medical.
United then pushed ahead and completed a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million including add-ons, and also triggered the £35 million release clause in Youri Tielemans' contract.
United are now targeting a third midfield signing, ideally someone who is athletic and can cover a lot of ground.
United identified Aurelién Tchouaméni as their top target; however, a potential transfer this summer has always seemed complicated.
The French midfielder had reached an agreement with Real Madrid over a new contract, but that deal is yet to be signed. Real Madrid are pursuing a deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City, which could lead them to sell Tchouaméni.
Eduardo Camavinga is another Real Madrid player whom United have held talks about, but he is adamant he wants to stay at the Bernabéu.
Speaking to The United Stand, Ben Jacobs has explained the current situation regarding United's interest in Tchouaméni.
"In theory, if the door opened even a tiny bit, and the price was right, United would move," Jacobs explained.
"In theory, Tchouameni is the leading target.
"In practice, we can't say that they're working on it, because we have to respect the fact that there are verbal terms on a new deal, and at any moment the door could shut if Real Madrid chooses to announce it!"
"If that deal doesn't come to fruition, price is the key thing, not wage.
"It would be possible to reach an agreement with Tchouaméni, but it's about what type of fee Real Madrid would be looking for!"
If Real Madrid do indeed decide to sell Tchouaméni, United need to do everything possible to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
United have been very conservative in the transfer market so far, having walked away from deals for Mateus Fernandes, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali due to the money involved.
Tchouaméni is, however, the calibre of player who is going to help United close the gap on Arsenal and really challenge for major honours. He is the type of player United have to be prepared to spend big on should he become available.
A midfield rebuild of Tchouaméni, Santos and Tielemans would be excellent. It's a nice blend of youth and experience and would give Michael Carrick a variety of profiles in midfield to work with.