United handed lifeline in pursuit of “dream” Casemiro successor, Vivell pushing hard for midfield maestro – report

Aurelien Tchouameni’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains uncertain as Manchester United continue to circle for the Real Madrid superstar, according to a new report. The ‘Special One’ Returns Despite not having managed a top club in nearly a decade, Jose Mourinho has returned to the Spanish capital as manager, 13 years after his first spell with Los Blancos. Florentino Perez, fresh from winning re-election as Real’s president, had made the ‘Special One’ a part of his campaign pitch, promising a major revamp this summer, both on and off the pitch. The 79-year-old businessman agreed to pay Portuguese giants SL Benfica – Mourinho’s current club – £13 million in compensation to make the switch across the Iberian peninsula. Neither Perez nor Mourinho are wasting any time in stamping their mark at the dawn of this Trump-esque era, with deals already struck for Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella. However, three of the four have been free transfers – a reflection of Real’s lure as a Champions League powerhouse, but also their lack of financial power in comparison to clubs in England. A £130 million bid for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was tabled last week, but The Athletic states sources at the Metropolitano Stadium did not believe the offer was “genuine”. There is a sense that if Real want to spend big in the market this summer on top targets, sales will be needed to bolster their budget – particularly in midfield, should players like Manchester City’s Rodri or Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea be pursued. Midfielders Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga – another long-standing target for the Red Devils – have already been put up for sale, while Franco Mastantuono is available for loan. However, Tchouameni is not considered an ‘untouchable’ by Mourinho in the same way as Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, as per Ramón Alvarez de Mon. The Door Remains Open The Spanish journalist claims both Bellingham and Valverde are “essential” in Mourinho’s plans for Real moving forward. Conversely, Tchouameni is “not a player [he] has put at the top of his list”. Furthermore, a violent clash between Tchouameni and Valverde last month – which resulted in the Uruguayan being hospitalised – adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With the France international’s contract running until 2028, Alvarez de Mon states he must have a “conversation” with both the manager and the club’s hierarchy over his long-term future. United have been strongly linked with a move for Tchouameni as their “dream” replacement for Casemiro, having previously tried to sign him from AS Monaco in the summer of 2022 before Real struck first. At 26 years of age, with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of club and international football, Tchouameni is one of the premier defensive midfielders in Europe. Possessing a 6’2″ frame with a potent pairing of strength and size, he is a target INEOS have little concern over adapting to the Premier League. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is understood to be pushing hardest for the 2023 Champions League winner, with exploratory talks said to have already taken place. Alvarez de Mon states Tchouameni is a “player in demand”, confirming interest from Old Trafford while speculating Chelsea might be “worth keeping an eye on” as Xabi Alonso – sacked by Real in January – has taken charge at Stamford Bridge. Tchouameni was ever-present under the Spanish tactician. Final Thoughts There will almost certainly be no movement on Tchouameni’s future until after the World Cup has concluded, with France one of the favourites for the tournament in North America. But in terms of the perfect candidate to take the reins from Casemiro, who better than the player who has already filled the boots of the Brazilian behemoth once in his career? Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.