Liverpool set to miss transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni

Liverpool are set to miss out on their No 1 transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni after he reportedly agreed a move to Real Madrid

The Reds are expected to focus on quality over quantity this summer with only some fine tuning made to their squad. With Fabio Carvalho already signed and sealed, their next and only focus is expected to be on a new midfielder. And with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and quite possibly James Milner departing this summer, there will be a hole to fill in their squad.

As such, Liverpool have reportedly made a strong push to bring Tchouameni to Anfield.

The Monaco midfielder has made the breakthrough into the France squad this season, amid some eye-catching displays in Ligue 1. That form has seen a number of big-name suitors come looking to prise him away.

And with a deal that expires in summer 2024, Monaco chief Paul Mitchell admits his side are vulnerable to his sale.

“I don’t have a preference to be honest [over who he joins],” Mitchell told RMC Sport. “Of course, an important fee is needed. Offers have to be very aggressive if they want us to sell a top player like Tchouameni.”

However, with Real Madrid also looks as though it would come down to a straight choice between the Champions League finalists.

Tchouameni himself recently addressed his future and appeared open to a move away.

“It’s true that there are a lot of people that are hoping to see me stay,” he said. “That makes me happy because it shows that I’m doing good work.

“As I’ve said before, what is certain is that there is one more match in Monegasque colours against Lens. And after that we’ll see what happens.”

READ ALSO C/League final: Liverpool cancels ticket of 13 fans

Now RMC Sport claims to have the inside scoop on Tchouameni’s next club. And despite earlier nods to Liverpool, it seems new sporting director Julian Ward’s advances have been rejected.

Indeed, the French outlet claims Tchouameni has agreed a five-year deal to move instead to Los Blancos. They claim he will move in a £68.6m (€80m) fee, and will become Carlo Ancelotti’s marquee signing of the summer.