Aurelien Tchouameni: Man United identify Real Madrid star as Plan B

Manchester United’s search for a successor to Casemiro has seen them plan to replicate the transfer that brought the 34-year-old enforcer to Old Trafford, according to a bombshell new report.

Madrid’s Midfield Monster

The Telegraph reveals the Red Devils are “keeping a close eye” on Aurelien Tchouameni’s increasingly uncertain situation with Real Madrid.

The France international moved to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2022 after completing a €100 million switch from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. Manchester United expressed interest that summer, but were outbid by the LaLiga giant, which ultimately led to Casemiro‘s capture late in the same window.

Now, INEOS appear ready to rectify this mistake from the past after identifying Tchouameni as a leading target to once again take the reins from the Brazilian behemoth, who will leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign. Despite a remarkable upturn in form, the club’s hierarchy decided against triggering a twelve-month extension in Casemiro’s costly contract, with both parties mutually agreeing on an exit in May.

Tchouameni faces uncertainty over his future in Madrid as reports from Spain indicate Los Blancos may cash in on the France international to fund a move for Manchester City maestro Rodri. Enzo Fernandez, dropped by Liam Rosenior for Chelsea’s crunch clash with Manchester United, is another name on their wish list.

“Rodri is out of contract at the end of next season and City have offered him a new deal, but if Real opt to formalise their interest in the 29-year-old it could open the door for United to move for Tchouameni,” The Telegraph contends.

INEOS’ primary target to revamp their stalling engine room, with Manuel Ugarte also set to be on the chopping block this summer, is Elliot Anderson. However, their noisy neighbours at the Etihad are understood to be leading the race to secure the Nottingham Forest talisman’s signature.

Out of Reach

The Telegraph claims Forest will demand “at least £100m for the England midfielder, and their prospects of getting that will be boosted if they avoid relegation.” Morgan Gibbs-White’s hat-trick propelled the Tricky Trees to a pivotal 4-1 rout over Burnley on Sunday, a win which may prove crucial in the hunt for survival.

The report acknowledges Manchester United “rate Anderson highly” but concludes this exorbitant fee presents a “significant obstacle” for the club’s summer budget. Similarly, the wage packet on offer in the blue half of Manchester is one INEOS are unlikely to be able to match.

While Tchouameni’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2028, boosting Real’s negotiating position, any deal would avoid the dreaded Premier League tax attached to domestic signings such as Anderson or Newcastle dynamo Sandro Tonali.

The Frenchman is a defensive juggernaut, standing 6’2″ and possessing outstanding athleticism. He is also a force to be reckoned with in the air, a key attribute Manchester United will miss with Casemiro’s departure. There are question marks over his abilities to progress play from deep, but a centre-back like Lisandro Martinez and a partner in crime such as Kobbie Mainoo would help allay these concerns.

Final Thoughts

There are few midfielders in Europe who offer the profile needed to balance a unit containing Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes – but Tchouameni fits the bill perfectly. The experience he offers at the highest levels of club and international football further cements his standing as an elite target who would have a transformative effect in M16.

However, few players leave Madrid for pastures new without a major financial incentive, even if the Spanish giant are keen to cash in on their talents. INEOS have steadfastly sought to drive down the wage bill since taking charge at Old Trafford, presenting a potential issue with the lucrative package required to convince Tchouameni to follow in Casemiro’s footsteps this summer.

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