Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, with the La Liga giants reportedly open to selling the France international this summer. The 26-year-old has emerged as a key target for United as they prioritise a midfield overhaul following Casemiro's departure at the end of his contract.
Real Madrid Open to Tchouameni Exit
According to Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia, Real Madrid are willing to let Tchouameni leave the Santiago Bernabeu, although the player himself would prefer to stay. The development comes as new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has identified Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez as his primary midfield target. To fund a move for the Argentine, Real may need to sell Tchouameni to raise funds and free up space in the squad.
Nicky Butt Backs Tchouameni Move
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has endorsed a potential move for Tchouameni, dismissing concerns about a reported altercation with a teammate. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt said: "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."
Butt added: "He's still my main target for midfield. I think he's powerful, aggressive, everything that Man United need in a midfielder."
Ederson Deal Nearly Complete
Meanwhile, United's pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is reportedly nearing completion. The Brazilian confirmed over the weekend that his move to Old Trafford is "almost all sorted." United agreed a deal with Atalanta earlier this month, with an initial fee of €40.5 million (£35 million) plus €4.5 million (£3.8 million) in add-ons for the 26-year-old. Ederson is expected to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era at United.
Other Midfield Targets
United have stepped back from signing Elliot Anderson after Manchester City made a bid worth over £120 million for the 23-year-old, a fee United are unwilling to match. The club are also interested in Mateus Fernandes, who is set to leave West Ham United following their relegation to the Championship.
