Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool set for Tchouameni deal punishment as Mbappe news triggers swift Real Madrid plan

France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni

Real Madrid will go after Liverpool target Aurelien Tchouameni following the failure to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to a report.

Los Blancos have a big reputation for ‘Galactico’ signings, the big names who transform the club for years to come. And they had big hopes of continuing that trend with Mbappe.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker has had months of speculation over his future as he is in the final year of his current deal. While there was a chance he would stay in France, Madrid were hot on his tail.

However, Mbappe has now snubbed the move to Spain. He has instead signed a new three-year PSG deal.

As a result, Marca now reports that Madrid feel determined not to end the summer transfer window without a top new signing.

Indeed, they will go after Monaco midfielder Tchouameni, who is reportedly a Liverpool target.

Madrid had planned to use their available funds for Mbappe’s wages, given he was due to become a free agent.

However, they will now divert those finances towards a deal for Tchouameni.

Mbappe’s fellow Frenchman has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe following his rise with Monaco.

The 22-year-old has played 50 games this season, including all but three Ligue 1 games.

He also got into the senior France set-up in September and has eight caps to his name.

Should Madrid sign Tchouameni, he would join fellow French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who moved to the Spanish capital last summer from Rennes.

Liverpool could do with Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni, Monaco star, celebrates his goal during Ligue game against Lille OSC

Liverpool have already sorted out the future of their front line.

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, both 25, have hit the ground running and look set to be the stars up front at Anfield for a while longer.

However, their midfield is becoming a pressing concern. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott represent the long-term future, but Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are entering the final years of their deals.

Liverpool in direct talks with Monaco for Tchouameni

Liverpool in direct talks with Monaco for Tchouameni

French journalists have confirmed Liverpool and Real Madrid are talking to AS Monaco over the signing of Tchouameni this summer

And while they are not as regular features as some other players, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are 31, while Fabinho is 28.

As such, Tchouameni would represent a perfect new addition for Jurgen Klopp.

However, after Madrid’s failure to land Mbappe, they will not want to let Tchouameni slip through their grasp too.