Topics: Manchester United, Premier League
Manchester United are planning one of the most ambitious transfer swoops in their recent history, reports claim.
The Red Devils were extremely active in the summer transfer window, spending £215.3 million on new recruits Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon and Senne Lammens.
They were heavily linked with a move for a new holding midfield player, with Carlos Baleba of Brighton identified as a top target.
However the Seagulls wanted £100 million for the Cameroon and no such deal happened. Clearly the position is still one in which United want to strengthen in, with persistent links to England internationals Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
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But according to a new report from Defensa Central, via Football Talk, United have made Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni a priority.
In a move which highlights his improved run of form, United want to renew the contract of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro - a £70 million signing from Real in 2022.
The 33-year-old, who previously looked nailed-on to depart Old Trafford, is contracted until the end of the 2025/26 season.
United do have the option to extend his deal beyond that but want to reduce his hefty wages of around £350,000 per week.
The report notes that United want to pay Casemiro around £130,000-a-week, a figure he will likely reject - opening up the possibility of him moving on and a new defensive midfielder being required.
Tchoumeni is the man United see as the perfect fit if they cannot come to an agreement with Casemiro, though the Frenchman is poised to cost around £80 million and Real reportedly have "no intention" of listening to any offers.
The former Monaco midfielder is contracted at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2028 and has become a key player under Xabi Alonso.
The club believe he is not thinking about leaving and "all parties intend" for him to fulfill his contract and even extend it given his performances.
It's claimed he will only leave Real if he requests to do so, with the club not one to "hold anyone against their will".
Yet, with Defensa Central calling him the "undisputed leader of the Madrid midfield", there is a firm belief that Tchouameni is in it for the long-haul as Los Blancos look to secure his future with an improved financial proposal.
