Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Monaco over the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni in a deal worth more than £85million, it has been reported, ending any small hope Liverpool had of signing the midfielder.
Liverpool had identified Tchouameni as someone who fits the profile of the type of player they want to evolve their midfield. However, they always felt as though the Spanish champions were front-runners for the highly rated 22-year-old's signature.
Tchouameni reportedly agreed personal terms with Madrid a number of weeks ago and was waiting on the two clubs to settle on a fee. And now David Ornstein at The Athletic is reporting the deal is done.
He tweeted: "Real Madrid have reached verbal agreement with Monaco to sign France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in package worth over €100m. Clubs finalising paperwork + regulatory process before signing & official confirmation."
Liverpool will now turn their attention elsewhere. Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund has been named as a player the Reds will look at in the future.