Manchester United are targeting a £67 million-rated Real Madrid star who could transform their fortunes this season, according to reports.
Man United made their worst start to a league season in 35 years after Sunday's goalless draw at Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag enters the October international break with his side languishing in the bottom half of the league, occupying 14th place - with just eight points on the board.
Man United's poor start to the new season comes after a busy summer transfer window, where the club snapped up Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte.
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Despite recruiting a midfielder in Ugarte, it appears Ten Hag has his eyes on another midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.
According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Man United are being linked with Aurelien Tchouameni, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool.
The report claims that Tchouameni could be allowed to leave Real, who signed the player in the summer of 2022.
They splashed out an initial £68.3 million to acquire his services from AS Monaco.
It has been stated that the Red Devils could make a move for the 24-year-old, who is valued around £67 million.
The addition of Tchouameni could transform Man United's midfield for the second half of the season.
They've been weak in the middle of the park even though Ten Hag reinforced his midfield options in the summer.
Speaking after his side's 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League, he said Ugarte needs time to 'integrate', saying: "We brought in new young players again, and we have to integrate them, like Manuel Ugarte.
"The No.6 position was one of the positions we wanted to sign for this season, but he needs time to integrate. I know in top football you don’t get time, they have to perform immediately, but that’s not always realistic.
"Ugarte has to get used to our game model, he has to get used to his team-mates, he has to get used to the intensity of the Premier League."
Topics: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aurelien Tchouameni, Football
Nasir Jabbar