Manchester United could reportedly rival Bayern Munich for the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni during this summer's transfer window.
The France international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Bayern said to be keen to bring him to Allianz Arena ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Los Blancos could be forced into a big-money sale this summer in order to make room for the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, 12 months earlier than originally planned.
According to Sport1, Bayern have already been in touch with Real Madrid to discuss a possible deal for Tchouameni, which could initially see the France international arrive on loan.
"We lack a defensive midfielder who maintains the position and thinks defensively," Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel recently said when discussing his team's needs for the rest of the window.
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However, Man United are also said to be in the mix, with the English club's head coach Erik ten Hag allegedly driving the club's interest in the former Monaco youngster.
The 20-time English champions would reportedly be prepared to pay close to the £85m that Real Madrid spent on the midfielder during last summer's transfer window.
Tchouameni was a regular for Los Blancos during his first season at the club, featuring on 50 occasions in all competitions, including 33 outings in La Liga.
However, he was not a starter in the latter stages of the team's Champions League campaign, and Real Madrid have further boosted their already-strong midfield with the arrival of Jude Bellingham this summer.
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Man United have brought Mason Mount to the club during the current market, but there will be midfield exits in the near future, with Fred and Donny van de Beek both being linked with departures.
Scott McTominay could also reportedly be allowed to leave if there is another addition, with Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat being heavily linked with a move to the club.
However, Ten Hag seemingly wants to first explore whether Tchouameni, who has also previously been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, is an option in the current market.
The 25-time France international has another five years left to run on his contract at Bernabeu.
Man United have also been credited with an interest in Leon Goretzka, who has allegedly been told that he is free to leave Bayern during the summer window.
Matt Law
