Manchester United have received an important update in their long-running attempt to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Michael Carrick’s team have been interested in the France international throughout the summer. According to The Sun, United received positive signs in July that a transfer could happen if Real Madrid completed a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
However, Barcelona entered the race for Rodri last week and have now become favourites to sign the Spanish midfielder.
According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been told that the club will not sign another defensive midfielder. The Portuguese coach will instead have to work with the midfielders already in his squad.
Earlier this summer, reports claimed Tchouameni had agreed a new five-year contract with “Los Blancos”. However, neither Real Madrid nor the player officially confirmed the agreement.
That created some doubts over whether the new deal had actually been completed. Fabrizio Romano has now given a clear update, saying Tchouameni has signed his new contract and will remain at Real Madrid.
This means Manchester United will have to look at other options for their third midfield signing of the summer. The club have already brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
“It was around April, May that United tried for Aurelien Tchouameni, because he was considered the dream signing in midfield,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Elite player, international experience, big name, used to playing at the highest level. So United wanted to try. They consider Tchouameni as the perfect midfielder to replace Casemiro.
“But – and it’s a big but – Tchouameni signed a contract at Real Madrid. It’s already done. The agreement is already closed.
“So Tchouameni is going to be an important part of the Jose Mourinho squad. Tchouameni signed a new contract for Real Madrid because he’s really convinced about the project, so Real Madrid and Tchouameni are absolutely expected to continue together.”
