Liverpool are set to make a move for a Real Madrid star on loan as part of their big squad overhaul this summer.
The European champions are looking like brokering a deal for Jude Bellingham – a player who was top of Jurgen Klopp's shortlist just a few short weeks ago. With Real Madrid looking like the teenager's next destination, however, an opportunity has presented itself to Liverpool.
Despite selling Casemiro last summer, Carlo Ancelotti still has a plethora of options in his midfield, with veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric expected to sign new deals. A door has therefore opened for Klopp to reignite interest in a target from last season.
Aurelien Tchouameni rejected Liverpool last summer but has struggled to hold down a place in Los Blancos' starting XI regularly and may look for more consistent minutes next season.
According to 90min, Liverpool have informed Madrid that they would be interested in signing Tchouameni this summer, should they be given the chance.
The 14-time Champions League winners have the likes of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga who can play in midfield, along with Kroos and Modric, potentially leaving Tchouameni as a fringe player when Bellingham joins.
The Frenchman is still just 23 years old, however. It is unlikely that Real would want to part permanently with an €80 million investment just 12 months after acquiring him – so a loan deal could work for all parties.
Real Madrid have a history of loaning midfielders to the Premier League, with Arsenal taking the likes of Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard in recent seasons.
Tchouameni is valued at €90m by Transfermarkt.
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Liverpool's failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham has led to discussion over who is to blame, with This Is Anfield writing that the fault lies with both Jurgen Klopp and ownership FSG for FourFourTwo.
The Reds are looking at a number of possible alternatives, including Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, Brighton midfielder Moises Caidedo and Chelsea fringe midfielder Conor Gallagher. Ex-Red Jose Enrique has questioned whether the Merseysiders even needed Bellingham, anyway.
