Manchester United have enquired about Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni despite reports that the Frenchman has signed a new deal in Spain.
The Red Devils remain in the market for midfield additions despite already bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
Tchouameni would be their most blockbuster signing if they could get a deal of the line.
The 26-year-old will have some down time after the World Cup before reporting for pre-season, but new Real boss Jose Mourinho has no interest in selling.
Tchouameni is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2028, but there is speculation suggesting he's agreed a new contract to 2031, although nothing has been announced.
Nevertheless The Sun claims those on the red side of Manchester have made moves as they bid to sign the ex-Monaco man.
Tchouameni is a specialist defensive midfielder and United are in the market for a player of that ilk to replace Casemiro, who was allowed to leave following the expiry of his contract.
United's midfield has been their priority this summer with Kobbie Mainoo among the only names who was present last year guaranteed to be part of Michael Carrick's plans.
Manuel Ugarte's future is unclear but his injury could make him difficult to sell.
The club enjoyed huge success with their recruitment 12 months ago, when attack was their priority. They went after proven Premier League quality in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who both proved to be hits. Tielemans and Santos also know the league - with Tchouameni a potential overseas buy.
United were offered the chance to sign Tchouameni back in 2021 when he was still on Monaco's books, but did not have the budget for a midfielder.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was in charge at Old Trafford at the time, was keen on recruiting a young midfielder and had Declan Rice as his favoured target.
Talk of Real cashing in on Tchouameni has ramped up since the World Cup, where Rodri was named the tournament's best player after Spain claimed glory.
The Manchester City midfielder was the Ballon d'Or winner only two years ago and he's been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
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