Reports continue to link Liverpool with a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, a favourite of the reinstated sporting director Julian Ward.
Ward tried to sign Tchouameni in his first stint as sporting director, but the French midfielder opted to complete an £80m move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid instead.
Now, with Tchouameni not a guaranteed starter for Madrid despite a new contract in the summer, Liverpool are circling once again.
The Frenchman’s new contract is worth a reported €300k-a-week.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool were in contact with Madrid and the midfielder in the summer and remain in contact over a future move to Anfield should his minutes remain capped at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Tchouameni is exactly what Liverpool’s midfield needs, although it will be an expensive operation and a continuation of the influx of French talent to Anfield after Jacquet, Barcola and Ekitike.
Bailey reports: “Liverpool have kept the lines of communication open with Aurelien Tchouameni’s camp despite the French midfielder agreeing a new long-term contract with Real Madrid, TEAMtalk understands.
“The Reds are long-term admirers of the French international and spoke to Real Madrid about a potential deal during the summer, when there was interest in taking the midfielder to Anfield.
“Manchester United were also interested in Tchouameni, but the situation changed after the 25-year-old held talks with new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho and subsequently agreed terms on a new long-term contract.
“That new deal did not end Liverpool’s interest, however, with sources indicating that the club have maintained communication with the player’s camp.
“We understand Liverpool would consider a move for a midfielder of sufficient calibre, and Tchouameni would firmly fall into that category.
“The Frenchman remains committed to fighting for his position at Real Madrid and is continuing to compete for regular football under Mourinho.
“The key question now is whether Tchouameni establishes himself as one of Mourinho’s first-choice starters as the season progresses.
“Despite committing his future to Real Madrid, we understand Tchouameni would not be prepared to accept a role as merely a squad player at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“That could become significant for Liverpool if the midfielder’s situation changes and he begins to reassess his position at the Spanish giants.
“For now, Liverpool are not actively pushing for a deal and Tchouameni remains a Real Madrid player with a new long-term contract.”
