Real Madrid open to selling Tchouameni as Manchester United eye midfield overhaul

Real Madrid are open to selling Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer, handing Manchester United a potential route to the France international as the club prioritises a midfield rebuild under manager Michael Carrick. The 26-year-old has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford, and according to SportItalia journalist Gianluigi Longari, the Spanish club would sanction his departure — though Tchouaméni himself is reported to prefer staying in Madrid.

United’s midfield has been a pressing concern since Casemiro left the club following the expiry of his contract. The Brazilian had been the last player to make the direct journey from Real Madrid to Old Trafford, going on to win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time in Manchester.

A further complication for Tchouaméni’s future at Real is the club’s pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has identified the Argentine as his primary midfield target, and reports suggest Tchouaméni could be sold to generate funds and free up a squad spot to facilitate that deal.

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has spoken positively about the prospect of Tchouaméni joining the club. “He’s still my main target for midfield. I think he’s powerful, aggressive, everything that Man United need in a midfielder,” Butt said.

United have been active in assessing their midfield options more broadly. They have stepped back from a move for Elliot Anderson after Manchester City submitted a bid in excess of £120 million for the 23-year-old England international — a fee Old Trafford’s hierarchy are unwilling to match. The club are also monitoring West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who is expected to leave the east London club following their relegation to the Championship.

The most advanced piece of United’s midfield business is the imminent arrival of Ederson from Atalanta. The 26-year-old confirmed at the weekend that his move is “almost all sorted”, with United having agreed an initial fee of €40.5 million (£35m) plus up to €4.5 million (£3.8m) in add-ons. Ederson is set to become the first signing of the Carrick era at Old Trafford.