Liverpool and Real Madrid are reportedly both in discussions with Monaco over a summer deal for French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for his Ligue 1 club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring five times and contributing two assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder only has little over two years left to run on his current deal, though, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent months.
A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the France international, who is widely expected to leave Monaco this summer in search of pastures new.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Liverpool and Real Madrid are currently leading the race, with the two clubs in discussions with the midfielder's principality club.
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Konur claims that Monaco want a fee of between €55m (£46.7m) and €60m (£50.9m) for Tchouameni, who has scored three times and provided one assist in 33 Ligue 1 appearances this term.
However, the former Bordeaux youngster recently insisted that he was not in a rush to leave Monaco and could yet remain with the club on a long-term basis.
"I have a contract until 2024, with an option until 2025. We will see what the future holds for me," Tchouamani recently told reporters. "A lot of things can happen in the transfer window. There is my case and that of the other players, some of whom are at the end of their contracts and have other desires elsewhere.
"Why not stay in the Champions League? Being eliminated by Shakhtar Donetsk in the preliminary round this season stuck in my throat. Playing in the Champions League with Monaco is not something that would displease me."
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Since arriving at Monaco in January 2020, the midfielder has made 93 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, contributing eight goals and six assists in the process.
Meanwhile, he has become an important player for France since making his international debut last September, scoring once in eight appearances for his country.
Real Madrid are well-stocked in the middle of the park, with Luka Modric believed to be on the verge of signing a new one-year contract.
Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have also played important roles for Los Blancos in the second half of the campaign, but Los Blancos are said to be long-term admirers of Tchouameni.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also believed to be keen to add another central midfielder to their squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Matt Law
