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Manchester United are reportedly encountering new competition in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, as speculation grows around a potential high-profile departure from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

The Red Devils are focused on a major rebuild in the midfield after Casemiro’s exit. Manuel Ugarte, 25, is also expected to move on after failing to make an impression as the Brazilian’s replacement.

United have already reached an agreement worth £39 million for Atalanta’s dynamic 26-year-old midfielder Ederson, while negotiations are ongoing to bring in West Ham’s promising youngster Mateus Fernandes as a second addition to their midfield unit.

However, the marquee signing meant to replace Casemiro has not yet materialised. Both of the incoming players are more suited to box-to-box roles, rather than as a dedicated holding midfielder. Elliot Anderson has been United’s top target for that position, but the Nottingham Forest star appears close to joining Manchester City instead.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described Tchouameni as United’s “dream target”, with recruitment director Christopher Vivell reportedly pushing strongly for the French international’s signature.

Tchouameni’s current contract with Real Madrid runs until 2028, and both sides have shown interest in extending it. However, Jose Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu under Florentino Perez’s leadership, following his re-election as club president, has sparked significant changes. Mourinho’s aggressive transfer policy suggests Real may be open to player sales to fund new arrivals.

If Los Blancos decide to raise funds to target midfielders such as Manchester City’s Rodri or Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Tchouameni could be made available, as Mourinho is said to view him as expendable compared to key figures like Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

According to TEAMtalk, sources at Old Trafford believe there is a “real possibility the 26-year-old could depart Madrid this summer.” Communication between United’s hierarchy, led by Jason Wilcox, and the player’s representatives has reportedly remained “open throughout the summer.”

“The leadership at Old Trafford have tracked the Frenchman for several years and see him as one of the premier midfielders in global football,” the report adds. “Sources suggest United believe he could transform the structure and quality of their midfield.”

However, Liverpool are also believed to be in ongoing discussions with Tchouameni, making them serious contenders alongside United. The two fierce rivals are viewed as the “most probable destinations” should the Frenchman decide to move to England.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, though both London clubs are reportedly behind their north-west counterparts in the race. Xabi Alonso, who managed Tchouameni during his time at Real Madrid, has now taken charge at Stamford Bridge, six months after leaving the Spanish giants.

TEAMtalk further reports that Tchouameni “has now been informed that his place in Mourinho’s plans is no longer guaranteed,” and that there is internal acknowledgment at Real that he is “one of the most valuable assets” Mourinho would be willing to let go.

Real Madrid are expected to demand around €100m (£87m) for the Frenchman’s transfer — a significant sum, though still below the prices quoted for other targets such as Anderson or Sandro Tonali.

While Ederson and Mateus Fernandes both bring versatility and energy, neither provides the defensive stability and leadership that Casemiro offered at the heart of midfield.

Tchouameni, who joined Real from AS Monaco in the same summer Casemiro moved to Manchester United, has already proven his quality under immense pressure in Spain. For United, the Frenchman could be the ideal solution to their midfield woes. INEOS must act decisively to outmanoeuvre their rivals and secure this crucial signing for Erik ten Hag’s squad.