Real Madrid have no intention of selling Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United this summer, according to reports. The Spanish giants consider the midfielder indispensable and are even planning to extend his contract.
Manchester United's midfield search
Manchester United are in the market for at least one new central midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window. The club has drawn up a shortlist that includes Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali. Tchouameni, who joined Real Madrid in a €100 million (£85.3m) deal from Monaco four years ago, has also been identified as a target.
Real Madrid's stance
However, FootMercato reports that Tchouameni is considered 'indispensable' by Real Madrid, and the Spanish club are not looking to sell the midfielder. The report adds that Madrid are even looking to extend Tchouameni's contract, which currently has just two years left to run. This news will come as a blow to Manchester United, who were hoping to lure the French international to Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand's assessment
Speaking this week, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand endorsed the club's interest in Tchouameni but doubted whether the Real Madrid midfielder would be a realistic option this summer. 'Tchouameni would be great but is he available? I don't know if he's available. His experience is huge,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. 'I think he speaks English as well, so that's not an issue. I think he's a fantastic footballer.
'I remember the game France-England in a tournament, I think it was Qatar. He was majestic. He was strong. He was commanding. He's played in huge games. He has the experience. So I wouldn't worry about him, I'd be very happy to get him.'
Ferdinand also commented on other targets: 'Baleba has got huge potential but has had a bit of a dip this season from where he was the season before. Anderson I think would be a great signing. Again, Premier League proven, great energy, I think there can be huge improvements, his ceiling is quite high, I think there is more to come from him that you can get out of him at Man United. I think Michael Carrick would be a great tutor for him as well.
'It's going to be difficult. Who is available – let's go from there.'
With Real Madrid determined to keep Tchouameni, Manchester United may need to focus their efforts on alternative targets as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season.
