Aurelien Tchouameni is more likely to join Real Madrid over Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Battle to sign Tchouameni
It looks set to be a two-way battle to sign the Monaco midfielder, with both Madrid and the Reds seemingly working hard to get their man.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for a number of weeks now, as they eye up a major midfield addition ahead of the start of next season.
It does feel as though Madrid are in pole position to sign Tchouameni, however, and a fresh update has further suggested as much.
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The Latest: Real favourites, says Romano
Writing for Caught Offside, Romano confirmed that the La Liga champions are the front-runners to pip Liverpool to the 22-year-old's signature, even though the Reds are still battling:
"Aurelien Tchouameni told his teammates that his priority this summer is Real Madrid. Even sources inside Liverpool are sure that Tchouameni wants to give priority to negotiations with Real Madrid.
"There have been ongoing talks between Real Madrid and his agents for a contract until June 2027, but not yet a full deal with AS Monaco asking €80m for the midfielder: new talks are expected right after the Champions League final this weekend. Paris Saint-Germain remain interested until the end, but Real Madrid are leading the race.
"Liverpool remain alert to the situation before focusing on other targets. As I wrote in my recent column, the Reds have held direct talks with Tchouameni’s agent as well, but it seems he has now made it clear that his preference is to move to the Spanish capital.
"After signing Eduardo Camavinga last year, the addition of Tchouameni could give Madrid two great French midfielders that can form the spine of their side for the next decade or more. There’s no need for fans to worry about the future of the club’s midfield after Luka Modric and Toni Kroos."
The Verdict: One that got away?
It would be an undoubted blow if Liverpool missed out on signing Tchouameni this summer, with the Frenchman described as an 'amazing player' by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
The Monaco man looks tailor-made to come straight into the Reds' midfield alongside Fabinho and Thiago, replacing the ageing Jordan Henderson and hit-and-miss Naby Keita in the regular starting lineup.
Sadly, it looks as though Tchouameni could be Madrid-bound, however, and Jurgen Klopp will have to eye up an alternative instead. Jude Bellingham could be that man, but the Reds would likely have to wait until 2023 to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, with the club not wanting him and Erling Haaland to leave in the same year.
In other news, Paul Joyce has dropped a key Liverpool injury update. Read more here.