Is there a renewed possibility for Manchester United to sign Tchouaméni? Reports suggest Real Madrid might be open to receiving bids, yet a sum of €75 million would fall short.

Manchester United intended to reinforce their midfield this summer, but after finalizing the €45 million signing of Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta, further recruitment has hit a deadlock. West Ham United have valued Matheus Fernandes at over £80 million, with Tottenham fiercely competing, thus ruining United's plan to acquire him cheaply. However, according to The Athletic, United might have another chance to sign Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Real Madrid beat reporter Mario Cortegana has reported that Florentino Pérez, who has already spent over €100 million (£87 million) on signings this summer, has great trust in the returning José Mourinho and is willing to continue supporting his rebuild.

The 63-year-old Mourinho will have greater authority in transfer decisions compared to his predecessors Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti. In his meeting with Florentino Pérez, the "Special One" outlined his rebuilding plan. He intends to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, which includes a creative midfielder.

Mourinho's top target is Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, with the Blues reportedly demanding £120 million. The 25-year-old Argentine international has expressed his desire to join Real Madrid. Matheus Fernandes, whom Manchester United are pursuing, is also a candidate under consideration, but competition is fierce and his price tag is inflated.

Lille's World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi is not Real Madrid's top priority, and the French club is asking for at least €80 million (£70 million). Another option is 20-year-old Dutch AZ Alkmaar player Kees Smit, who is valued at €60 million (£52 million) and is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

According to The Athletic, in order to fund new signings, Real Madrid need to offload some current players, with Dani Ceballos being a must-sell. The 29-year-old's contract runs until 2027, and he has been considering a move for three consecutive years. This time, he hopes to negotiate a free transfer with the club.

Apart from Ceballos, "Los Blancos" may also need to sell another current player. Mourinho and the club are most keen on offloading 23-year-old Eduardo Camavinga, but those familiar with the French player, who was left out of the World Cup squad, insist that he would not agree to leave.

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde is not on the transfer list, and he has no desire to leave Real Madrid, despite having a dispute with Tchouaméni in the dressing room in May.

As a result, Real Madrid are reportedly forced to consider accepting offers for the 26-year-old French defensive midfielder Tchouaméni, given Manchester United's possible interest. The Spanish club has previously sold many players to the Red Devils, generating ample funds for rebuilding.

Manchester United have a strong interest in Tchouaméni. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that he is the "dream defensive midfield target" for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. However, rumors that United could acquire Tchouaméni for £75 million are completely unrealistic.

Real Madrid paid €80 million (equivalent to £70 million) to sign Tchouaméni from Monaco in 2022, with add-ons potentially taking the total to €100 million (£86 million). Coupled with the inflated prices of midfielders this summer, it is impossible for Madrid to sell a top player like Tchouaméni at a low price.

Four years ago, the 79-year-old Real Madrid president "Don Florentino" sold the 30-year-old Casemiro to Manchester United for £70 million. Tchouaméni, being younger, will certainly not lack potential buyers driving up the price. Since Madrid wants to sign the expensive Enzo, they naturally need to sell Tchouaméni at a high price as well.

Another obstacle is that Tchouaméni has not expressed any desire to leave Real Madrid, similar to Camavinga. Tchouaméni currently earns a weekly wage of €240,000 at Madrid, equivalent to nearly £210,000. If Manchester United want to lure him, they would need to offer a top-tier weekly salary exceeding £300,000.

In The Athletic's report, the mention of Tchouaméni's potential transfer and United's interest was just a brief two sentences. At this point, the deal is far from taking shape, as United's primary target remains the 21-year-old M. Fernandes. For Tchouaméni, Red Devils fans will have to wait and see.