Manchester United are reportedly accelerating their transfer activity, with plans to open talks with Real Madrid over Aurelien Tchouameni within the next few days. The French international is a key midfield target for the club, and Real Madrid may be forced to sell to raise funds after a busy summer of high-wage signings.
Real Madrid's financial pressure
Since Jose Mourinho's appointment, Real Madrid have brought in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva. While three of those arrived on free transfers, all four command substantial wages, prompting the club to consider departures. Eduardo Camavinga was previously seen as the most likely sale, but Tchouameni is now also under consideration – but only if a hefty valuation is met.
Spanish outlet Diario AS reports that any exit will only be sanctioned if a fee of €100 million (£85 million) is secured. United's hierarchy are willing to spend big to land Tchouameni, with initial discussions expected later this week, according to the same report.
Ederson deal progressing
United have already agreed a deal for one midfielder: Atalanta's Ederson. Despite speculation that the £38 million transfer had collapsed, the finer details are now being finalised, with Brazil out of the World Cup. A medical has been booked for the player, who remains a top target.
Manager Michael Carrick and his staff want a second midfield reinforcement, but two primary targets have already moved elsewhere. Manchester City shattered the British transfer record by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, while Mateus Fernandes joined Tottenham for £85 million.
Alternative targets
Tchouameni and Alex Scott are the next names in the frame, though both pursuits are complicated. Real Madrid have yet to decide on Tchouameni's future, while Arsenal are firmly in contention for Bournemouth's Scott. Bournemouth teammate Tyler Adams has also been mentioned, but interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba has waned, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is off the club's shortlist.
Tchouameni is currently with France at the World Cup, though he sat out their recent win over Paraguay due to a minor injury.
