Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sanction the departure of midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, handing Manchester United a significant boost in their pursuit of the France international. United are prioritising a midfield overhaul following Casemiro's exit after his contract expired.
Real Madrid open to Tchouameni exit
According to Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia, Real Madrid are prepared to allow the 26-year-old to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the report suggests that the player himself wishes to remain with the La Liga champions. Incoming Real manager Jose Mourinho has identified Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez as his primary midfield target, which could force Tchouameni out to generate funds and create space.
United's most recent midfield signing from Real Madrid was Casemiro, who won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
Nicky Butt backs Tchouameni move
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt expressed strong support for signing Tchouameni, telling Paddy Power: "I wouldn't have any doubts bringing him in because of the fight. Unless someone really tells me something really bad that happened prior to the fight, it wouldn't change my mind. I think it happens in every changing room. It's certainly happened in the ones that I was in. I think there's a lot of testosterone floating about a lot of egos floating around in changing rooms. Something gets said and it kicks off."
Butt added: "He's still my main target for midfield. I think he's powerful, aggressive, everything that Man United need in a midfielder."
Other midfield targets
United have withdrawn from the race to sign Elliot Anderson after Manchester City submitted a bid exceeding £120 million for the 23-year-old. The Red Devils' hierarchy are reluctant to match that valuation.
United are also keen on Mateus Fernandes, who is expected to leave West Ham United after their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship. Meanwhile, Ederson confirmed at the weekend that his switch to United is "almost all sorted". United agreed a deal with Atalanta earlier this month, paying an initial €40.5 million (£35 million) plus €4.5 million (£3.8 million) in add-ons for the 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder.
