Man Utd identify new transfer target to replace Casemiro but may need Man City favour

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Manchester United have identified Aurelien Tchouameni as a possible replacement for Casemiro. United’s priority this summer is to revamp their midfield, and the France international features prominently on their shortlist of candidates to replace Casemiro.

But the Telegraph report also claims that the midfielder’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu could hinge on whether Rodri leaves Manchester City this summer. Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, threw his City future into doubt last month when he said “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world ” after being asked about the prospect of joining Real.

But since then, Guardiola has claimed that the Spain international will sign a new deal with City, though he also wouldn't stand in the midfielder’s way if the La Liga giants came calling. Tchouameni is contracted until 2028, but reports from Spain in recent weeks have indicated that Real are also willing to listen to offers for his club and international team-mate, Eduardo Camavinga, as an alternative route to raise funds.

Tchouameni recently opened up on his struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu over the past couple of seasons. He said: “I was made a scapegoat. In the first 10-20 minutes, the stadium was booing every time I touched the ball.

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“That situation either destroys you, or you think, ‘that’s just how it is,’ let’s see what I can control, and the only thing I can control is my performance. The level of pressure at Real Madrid is something different. People are going to talk about everything you do, whether it’s good or bad.”

Before he added: “Everyone was talking about me, about my style of play. A year or two ago, I was a poor player, I was booed at the stadium – so I’ve been through a lot, and that has definitely helped me mentally. Today I know that people will always talk, no matter what I do, so I just ignore it. Playing for Real Madrid is the biggest stage in sport: the pressure is a privilege.”

United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer but the report adds they could even look to bring in a third should Manuel Ugarte leave. Both City and United are also monitoring Elliot Anderson's progress before a potential summer move for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.

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Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League . Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on signing Anderson this summer, but a two-way battle between City and United is expected to take place.

But as recently reported, Pep Guardiola's side are believed to be right at the front of the queue to sign Anderson, who is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest avoid relegation or not. Adam Wharton has also been linked with a move to United after impressing for Crystal Palace .