Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on vs West Ham
Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their hopes to land one of Europe's most highly-regarded defensive midfielders.
It's gone quiet on the recruitment front at Old Trafford following Youri Tielemans' arrival from Aston Villa in mid-July. A third midfielder is expected to join the Belgian and Andrey Santos in Michael Carrick's squad ahead of the new season.
While United have been linked with several names, they have yet to make a concrete move, and a lack of activity has left fans puzzled. INEOS may well have been waiting for one of their top targets to become available, and there might just be an opening due to a new development.
Man Utd Handed Tchouameni Boost
Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
United headed into the summer transfer window with the focus being on rebuilding Carrick's midfield. Replacing Casemiro was a priority and a marquee signing seemed likely to take the Brazilian's place.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been talked up as the ideal replacement but he agreed to a new contract with Real Madrid. The Frenchman seemed certain to stay at the Estadio Bernabeu but the La Liga giants are now pursuing Manchester City's Rodri following a sensational World Cup campaign.
According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Tchouameni's situation could change despite renewing with Los Blancos. When he renewed his deal, Florentino Perez's transfer chiefs hadn't planned to sign Rodri.
If Rodri were to join the Spanish club, it might pave the way for United to swoop for Tchouameni, who hasn't publicly ruled out a summer exit. He has been a mainstay in Madrid's team over the years after arriving from AS Monaco for £85 million in 2022.
Tchouameni, dubbed "phenomenal" by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, could be at risk of losing his place to Rodri in Jose Mourinho's team, and of being put up for sale. INEOS have already been in contact with the Spaniards about the 26-year-old's availability and it's been somewhat of a waiting game.
Man Utd Need To Take The Risk And Spend Big
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde
Of all the names left on United's shortlist, Tchouameni is the most exciting given his status as one of the best holding midfielders in the world. He replaced Casemiro at Madrid and INEOS may feel that he is the answer for the Red Devils as they prepare for life without the Brazilian.
Whether the Old Trafford giants are prepared to spend big on Tchouameni remains to be seen but if there is a chance to sign him, they'd be foolish not to take it. It's not often that a top Madrid midfielder becomes available and with Pep Guardiola departing City, now is the time for the higher-ups to start plotting a route back to the top of English football.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
United have shown caution in the market thus far, opting not to follow the likes of Chelsea and City in spending over £100m on a player. Tchouameni is unlikely to cost that much but could be priced at a similar fee as the one that took him to the Bernabeu.