Liverpool threaten Real Madrid in deal for perfect midfielder

Liverpool are plotting a summer of midfield reinforcements in the transfer market.

The Reds have been way off the pace in the Premier League this season - losing 10 of their 31 matches - and are in a battle to qualify for the Champions League.

Accordingly it has been suggested that Richard Hughes could breathe new life into the midfield with some acquisitions in the off-season.

Arne Slot - the under-pressure Liverpool head coach - has been relying on the same cast of midfield characters for the last couple of seasons.

But he is getting diminishing returns now from some of them - with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch no longer at their title-winning best.

That could bring about a move for a top-quality midfielder in the summer window.

Liverpool and Man Utd want Tchouameni deal

And according to a report from Sport in Spain the Premier League champions - along with Manchester United - are seeking a deal with Real Madrid for Aurelien Tchouameni.

The 26-year-old joined Madrid back in 2022 from Monaco - ignoring Liverpool’s advances to ink a deal with Los Blancos.

With his contract expiring in 2028, it would appear that the 15-time European champions are desperate to tie the France international down long-term.

But those plans could be scuppered by Premier League interest - with the report claiming that an offer from England could blow Madrid’s efforts to renew out of the water.

“Liverpool and Manchester United are keen to sign him, believing he could be the ideal player to strengthen their midfield. They're looking for a defensive midfielder with strong leadership qualities,” the report reads.

“There are reports of salary offers far exceeding what he currently earns at Real Madrid, where he has a contract until 2028, but a prohibitive €1 billion release clause.”

Madrid plan new contract for Tchouameni

Tchouameni has grown in stature this season under first Xabi Alonso and his replacement Alvaro Arbeloa. He is a key fixture in the Madrid lineup and the Spanish capital club are not ready to face a sale just yet.

“Madrid wouldn't sell him for even €140 million. In fact, they have already begun talks to negotiate a three-year extension, tying him down until 2031.”

But if Tchouameni refuses their desire to renew his contract then it could open up the possibility that he is offloaded before leaving on a free.

The midfielder is perhaps the perfect candidate to lead the Anfield midfield rebuild - freeing up Gravenberch to play further forward.

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