Real Madrid have been in contact with Monaco over a potential move for Liverpool-linked midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports in France.
Liverpool and Manchester United have both been mentioned in connection with the French international, who is likely to cost more than £50m if he moves this summer. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have also been linked, but Real Madrid's approach may ramp up the pressure on other suitors.
The 22-year-old made his France debut in 2021 and scored his first goal for Les Bleus in March. And now, after helping Monaco secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1, he is likely to be the subject of plenty of summer attention.
According to Foot Mercato (via Get French Football News ), Real Madrid have made contact with Monaco over a potential deal. The report suggests he is now the main target for Los Blancos after they missed out on another marquee signing in the form of ex-Monaco frontman Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe turned down the chance to move to Madrid, instead agreeing a big-money deal which will keep him under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2025. He marked the occasion by scoring a hat-trick in the final game of the season, ending the campaign with a league-leading 28 goals.
Madrid are said to have made it a priority to wrap up a deal as quickly as possible. This puts the pressure on Liverpool and other suitors to act quickly if they want to stand a chance of adding one of Europe's most in-demand youngsters to their ranks.
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Tchouameni isn't the only midfield option being considered by Liverpool, who will also go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has been mentioned, as has Jurgen Klopp's former Dortmund charge Ilkay Gundogan.
The interest in Tchouameni comes off the back of a second straight season as a Monaco regular. He has made 50 appearances this season in all competitions, scoring five times, and helped Philippe Clement's side reach the last 16 of the Europa League as well as finishing third in the league.
Real Madrid's midfield options for next season remain unclear, though Luka Modric is expected to extend his stay. One man on the way out is Isco, though, with the former Malaga man out of contract and linked with a Premier League move.
Gareth Bale and Marcelo are also out of contract and both could leave in the summer after long stints at the Bernabeu. Welsh forward Bale has been linked with a move to hometown club Cardiff City, while Marcelo - who has been with Real Madrid since 2007 - set to learn his fate after the Champions League final.
