Man United receive major Aurelien Tchouameni boost as Real Madrid identify replacement

Manchester United may have another opportunity to sign Aurelien Tchouameni as Real Madrid have identified a potential replacement for the star player.

It's no secret that Manchester United are desperate to secure another blockbuster deal for a new midfielder this summer, as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his team.

Following the departure of Casemiro and a major injury to Manuel Ugarte, United have already secured Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans and Chelsea's Andrey Santos for a combined £85m.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson was also set to join this summer, but the deal suddenly collapsed forcing United to return to the market for another midfield star.

The likes of including Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba have been tipped as potential signings, but it now appears that a deal for Tchouameni could be on the cards.

Tchouameni has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool also said to be big admirers, but any hopes of him joining an English side this summer appeared to be scrapped following reports he had penned a new deal with Real Madrid.

New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the Frenchman and had been reluctant to sell him, but a new report from The Sun has suggested this may no longer be the case.

The report claims that, with a formal announcement of Tchouameni's deal yet to come, United could again have the chance to sign him if Real Madrid believe that they can secure a move for Manchester City's Rodri.

As it stands, Rodri, 30, is out of contract next year but, following his impressive performances at the World Cup, a move this summer could now be possible.

If so, Real Madrid could look to cash in on United's "strong" interest in Tchouameni to secure the huge funds needed to sign the Ballon d'Or winner.

United's interest in Tchouameni resurfaced earlier this year as he was shortlisted as a potential target ahead of his current contract at the Bernabeu expiring in 2028

United were offered the chance to sign Tchouameni from Monaco in 2021 but did not budget for the move and could now spend well over €100m if they hope to sign him this summer.

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Rodri to undergo back surgery placing Real Madrid move in doubt

However, not long after news of United's potential pursuit of Tchouameni broke, the move has been cast into doubt following reports that Rodri is expected to miss the start of the season as he prepares to undergo surgery.

The 30-year-old has reportedly decided to go ahead with the surgery to help him recover from back problem he has been managing for some time.

Although the injury did not stop him from winning the Golden Ball at the World Cup, it clearly is enough of an issue that he is willing to put a potential move to Real Madrid in doubt.

But, with the exact details of the injury or how long it could take for Rodri to return so far unclear, it remains to be seen how the surgery could impact the potential move.