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Manchester United are reportedly determined to secure a marquee signing in midfield this summer, with optimism still alive for landing one of their top transfer targets, as per The Athletic.

After missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes—who joined Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively—the Red Devils are now reassessing their options in the market.

Real Madrid’s star midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, aged 26, is viewed internally at Old Trafford as a “dream signing”. However, club executives are fully aware that any deal for the French international would be both financially demanding and logistically challenging.

The Athletic reports that United are “ready if Real Madrid decide to sell Tchouameni”, with the Spanish giants eager to raise funds through player sales.

At Jose Mourinho’s request, Los Blancos are exploring ways to inject greater creativity and control into their midfield. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Rodri are both on Real’s radar, though neither deal appears feasible at this stage.

According to journalist Andy Mitten of The Athletic, if Tchouameni is pushed towards an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, he would be inclined to join Manchester United and is open to a move to M16. The Frenchman still has two years remaining on his contract, and his salary package could also present a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, United remain strongly interested in Bournemouth’s dynamic midfielder Alex Scott. The 22-year-old from Guernsey impressed throughout last season on the south coast, drawing admiration from several elite English clubs, including Arsenal.

However, Bournemouth are firm in their stance that Scott will not be sold this summer. Instead, they are focused on securing his long-term future with a new contract that is expected to include a release clause. His current deal runs until 2028.

The Athletic states that United are “weighing up a move” for the England under-21 international, who has “big admirers” at Old Trafford and across the Premier League. The Cherries are expected to demand at least £80 million before entering negotiations.

Another name under consideration is Borussia Dortmund’s energetic midfielder Felix Nmecha. Sporting director Jason Wilcox and recruitment chief Christopher Vivell both have extensive knowledge of the 25-year-old Germany international.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that the Bundesliga club value Nmecha at around €120 million (£103 million), making a transfer highly improbable. United are not currently advancing discussions for his signature.

Chelsea’s versatile box-to-box midfielder Andrey Santos is also being monitored. The Brazilian, capable of operating as both a No.6 and No.8, could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge for a fee of roughly £50 million. United have reportedly held preliminary talks with his representatives.

Other, less headline-grabbing possibilities include Fulham’s Sander Berge—who is having an excellent World Cup campaign with Norway—and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, a teammate of Scott at the Vitality Stadium.

Having recently suffered the frustration of losing two promising young midfielders to their direct rivals, Manchester United’s outward confidence may not fully reflect internal concerns. Nonetheless, if they manage to pull off a blockbuster move for Tchouameni, it would provide manager Michael Carrick with a world-class anchor for his midfield. Should the French powerhouse arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer, few supporters will lament the missed opportunities with Anderson or Fernandes.

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