Manchester United may be forced to pay a higher fee if Aurelian Tchouameni after the midfielder’s agreement with Real Madrid over a three-year contract extension emerged. Los Blancos tied down the Frenchman to a longer deal when they though Manchester City star Rodri was unavailble.
However, it has now left them in a strong position for any transfer negotiation. The La Liga giants improved Tchouameni’s salary to avoid losing him cheaply or on a free transfer, per the National.
It is also claimed that if Real Madrid want to splash the cash for Jose Mourinho, they will be required to make a significant sale. And with reports suggesting the Spanish side believe Rodri is available, that could open the door to a Tchouameni exit.
It is understood that United conducted background checks on Tchouameni several months ago and are keen on a deal should he become available. They first need some help from local rival Manchester City, however. Enzo Maresca‘s side remain reluctant to part ways with the Ballon d’Or contender.
While that remains the case, uncertainty surrounds Mourinho’s midfield plans and Tchouameni’s future. United boss Michael Carrick has already bolstered his squad with two central midfielders this summer. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined a group that already boasts Kobbie Mainoo, alongside more attack-minded options in Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount
“There were good signs from Andrey on his first one. He’s getting in the rhythm and feel of it again, so it was good to see him in a red shirt,” Carrick explained following the Brazilian’s pre-season bow against Wrexham.
At City, Enzo Maresca has stated Rodri would ‘be back with us’ and that he wasn’t concerned by the transfer speculation surrounding his star midfielder. The World Cup-winner has been presented with fresh terms by the club ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
Following the departure of Bernardo Silva, City have already brought in Elliot Anderson for £116million, and hold an interest in Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi. It remains unclear how that impacts Rodri’s future.
A pursuit of Tchouameni could also be thwarted if Vinicius Junior transfers to Arsenal. Real Madrid have yet to finalise a new contract for the winger and the Gunners are willing to make a substantial offer to secure him, meaning that Los Blancos may not need to make a second major sale to generate funds.
United have also been associated with Roma and France midfielder Manu Kone, Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Brighton’s Alex Scott.