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Manchester United have reportedly intensified their search for another central midfielder after submitting a €80 million (£68 million) offer for Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The French international has emerged as one of United’s leading midfield targets as the Premier League club continues its summer rebuild under manager José Mourinho.
According to reports in Spain, the Red Devils have formally approached Real Madrid with an offer for the 26-year-old, who is regarded internally at Old Trafford as the ideal player to strengthen the team’s defensive midfield following Casemiro’s departure and recurring injury concerns within the squad.
United have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, Karl Darlow on a free transfer and youngster Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur. However, the club remains determined to recruit another specialist midfielder after a proposed move for Atalanta’s Ederson reportedly collapsed following medical concerns.
While Spanish reports claim an offer has now been lodged, Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall recently stated that United are still assessing a wide range of midfield options and have not identified a definitive first-choice target.
He explained that the club has drawn up an extensive shortlist and has already opened discussions with representatives of several players to establish the financial conditions required for potential transfers.
Marshall, however, described Tchouaméni as “the dream signing” for Manchester United, suggesting the club is prepared to remain patient should the midfielder’s situation at Real Madrid change.
Real Madrid are said to be evaluating both the sporting and financial implications of any possible sale. Although the reported £68 million offer represents a significant proposal, the Spanish giants must weigh the player’s importance to Mourinho’s squad against the financial benefits of a transfer.
The midfielder remains a key figure in Real Madrid’s plans, with two years still left on his current contract.
Despite renewed speculation over a move to Old Trafford, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently indicated that Tchouaméni’s future remains firmly in Madrid.
According to Romano, the French midfielder has already signed a contract extension with the Spanish club, although the agreement has yet to be officially announced.
Romano said Manchester United continue to admire Tchouaméni and consider him the perfect long-term replacement for Casemiro because of his leadership qualities, experience and ability to shield the defence. However, he insisted that the player is expected to remain at Real Madrid after Mourinho personally pushed for his retention.
The Italian transfer journalist also revealed that United have explored alternative options, including Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga. However, he noted that the French international currently has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabéu, preferring instead to establish himself under Mourinho.
With uncertainty surrounding both Tchouaméni and Camavinga, Manchester United are expected to continue monitoring several midfield targets before making a final decision on their next signing as preparations for the new Premier League season gather pace.
