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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 26 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Manchester United are plotting a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni as one of their top targets ahead of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 26-year-old ranks highly on United’s shortlist as they aim to bolster their midfield this summer and prepare for the imminent departure of Casemiro.

His experience both for Real Madrid and the France national team have heightened his profile, with a number of clubs keen to lure him away when the window opens.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, any deal for Tchouamenti will depend on whether Madrid are willing to sell.

As things stand, sources suggest he is unlikely to leave the Bernabeu this summer, but clubs including Man United will continue tracking his situation in Spain.

Could Man United make a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni?

Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Man United are keen on Tchouameni, but may not be able to afford his asking price.

Should Real Madrid decide to let him leave come the end of the season, the deal will not come cheap, with his contract at Los Blancos set to run until 2028.

Madrid still hold the cards with regard to the midfielder’s future, but Man United are keeping a close eye in case their stance changes in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “That’s the big question about Tchouameni, whether he will be allowed to leave Real Madrid.

“If he becomes available, I’m sure he would become a top target for Manchester United. He’s on their shortlist of candidates to replace Casemiro in midfield.

“But again, it’s not an easy deal to do because Real Madrid are not forcing him out at the Bernabeu. They feel he still has a lot to offer.

“He’s still under contract there until 2028, so they will need to be convinced to sell him.

“Tchouameni will go to the World Cup with France, where clubs will be keeping an eye on him.

“But I don’t think Real Madrid have given any indication that they would want to see the Frenchman leave this summer.”

Who else is on Man United’s midfield shortlist?

Tchouameni is far from the only name on United’s midfield shortlist, with plans in place in case he is not made available by Real Madrid this summer.

Among their other targets are the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, with the latter seen as their leading target.

Former United chief scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that Man United could go all-out for Anderson in an attempt to beat rivals to his signature.

The England international is widely expected to leave Nottingham Forest this summer given the level of interest in his signature.

Man City are believed to be the leading contenders to reach an agreement as things stand given their financial backing, with Pep Guardiola keen to bolster his squad.