Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Aurélien Tchouameni as the club remains in the market for a marquee midfield signing.
Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the summer transfer window.
The club have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Ederson, but they have also already missed out on numerous top targets.
United had identified Elliot Anderson as their top target early on in their search for a Casemiro successor, but his preference for a move to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest's asking price meant a move to Old Trafford never came close.
United also held Sandro Tonali in high regard, but cooled their interest after learning how much a transfer would cost. United also seriously pursued a move for Mateus Fernandes, but refused to meet West Ham United's £85 million asking price before Tottenham Hotspur eventually did.
After missing out on Fernandes, United are now reassessing their options. Alex Scott is now high on United's shortlist, although Bournemouth have no intention of selling him, and in the event he does leave, the Cherries will demand a significant fee for him.
Real Madrid open to selling Tchouaméni
Aurélien Tchouaméni is another player very high on United's shortlist. A move is not yet advanced, but reports claim that United are prepared to explore the possibility of bringing the Frenchman to Old Trafford if Real Madrid decides to sell him.
Rumours are now circulating that the La Liga giants are open to letting Tchouaméni depart this summer.
According to Rodríguez Pascual, Real Madrid are seriously considering selling Tchouaméni this summer and will demand £77 million for him.
Tchouaméni would take United to the next level
If Tchouaméni is indeed available for £77 million, United need to do everything in their power to get a deal over the line. That is terrific value for money in a market which is incredibly inflated.
Tchouaméni is an elite ball-winner and would complement Kobbie Mainoo very well. Mainoo has shown glimpses of immense quality in the final third. His finishing from the left-half space from in and around the box is excellent, and having a midfield partner like Tchouaméni would allow Mainoo to have the freedom to play higher up the pitch.
There have been rumours that Tchouaméni's wage demands could pose an issue in negotiations, but given he is one of the best no.6s in the world, United need to be prepared to pay what it takes to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
A player like Tchouaméni would improve United significantly and help Michael Carrick's side close the gap on Arsenal.
Carrick has done an excellent job since taking over at United. It is time for the club to back him fully and show ambition, and signing Tchouaméni would be the ultimate statement of intent.
