Manchester United are monitoring Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as they plot a significant push to strengthen their engine room this summer, according to reports.

Having addressed their attacking and goalkeeping needs in the previous transfer window, United have identified central midfield as the priority area heading into the summer. The club are tracking a number of options, with Tchouaméni among those being considered from outside the Premier League.

Domestic targets also in the frame

Three Premier League-based players have featured in discussions: Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The success United enjoyed this season after signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford has underlined the value of recruiting players already acclimatised to the English top flight.

Wharton's prospects, however, appear complicated by questions over his profile — one considered too similar to that of Kobbie Mainoo, who is reportedly close to signing a lucrative contract extension at Old Trafford.

Tchouaméni's situation at the Bernabéu

The 26-year-old France international is contracted to Real Madrid until 2028, and the Spanish giants are said to be exploring an extension. Yet a turbulent campaign at the Bernabéu — one that looks set to end without silverware — could leave the club open to a substantial offer.

United first expressed interest in Tchouaméni in 2022 when he departed Monaco, but he chose Real Madrid over other suitors. He has since established himself as one of the most accomplished midfielders in European football.

Financial space opening up

United's wage structure stands to benefit from the departures of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho, freeing up room on the bill. Further clarity is expected before 15 June, when Barcelona face a deadline to decide whether to activate their option to sign Marcus Rashford for 30 million euros (£26.1 million).

On the pitch, Chelsea's unexpected collapse in the title race has handed United a timely boost. A victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday would put them on the brink of Champions League qualification, needing only one positive result from their remaining four fixtures to secure a return to Europe's elite club competition after a two-year absence.