'Huge' - Aurelien Tchouameni to Liverpool transfer update
Liverpool will have to part with a huge fee if they are to lure Aurelien Tchouameni away from Real Madrid, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has been a long-term target at Anfield and has been tipped as the answer to their ongoing issues in midfield after what has been a mixed start to the season.
However, the France international has established himself as an important part of Jose Mourinho's plans, and Los Blancos are not prepared to let him go easily in the near future.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool will find it hard to land Tchouameni given Real Madrid's lofty demands for his signature.
The Reds have not been afraid to spend big money in recent windows, but may be reluctant to do so in January as they aim to reduce their spending.
They remain strong admirers of Tchouameni, but after he penned a new contract at Real Madrid during the summer, they may have to delay any move further into the future.
Could Liverpool make a move for Aurelien Tchouameni?
Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Liverpool could reignite their interest in Tchouameni following the appointment of Julian Ward as their new sporting director.
During his previous spell at the club, Ward had attempted to bring the midfielder to Anfield, but ultimately lost out as he instead opted to make the switch to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are now reluctant to lose Tchouameni, and despite Liverpool considering a renewed move for his signature, he is considered unlikely to leave the Bernabeu.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There was interest previously in Tchouameni, and I'm sure there will be interest again going forward.
"But it will be a very difficult deal to do because he only recently signed a new contract at Real Madrid to extend his stay until 2031.
"Real are obviously counting on Tchouameni. They're obviously happy with him and they hope he will continue to play a signficant part in their plans under Jose Mourinho.
"And again, because of Real Madrid's position, it would cost a huge amount to try and even prise him away from the Bernabeu as well.
"So I think if Liverpool are looking for midfield reinforcements in the next couple of transfer windows they might have to look elsewhere."
Which other midfielders are on Liverpool's radar?
Liverpool may find it difficult to lure Tchouameni away from Real Madrid as things stand, but they remain determined to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2027 windows.
They had targeted reinforcements in the position during the summer window, but prioritised moves elsewhere, leading to early-season struggles in the middle.
As a result, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 3 September that Liverpool are lining up a move to sign Monaco star Lamine Camara in the January transfer window.
The midfielder came close to joining Chelsea on deadline day in the summer, but the deal fell through at the last minute, and he is expected to be available mid-season.
Liverpool are now prepared to join their Premier League rivals in the race for Camara's signature, and believe he would be an improvement on their current options.