Manchester United’s pursuit to improve their midfield this summer hasn’t quite gone to plan so far, but they are now ready to step up their chase for a top target.

The Red Devils had made Elliot Anderson their number one target for the window, but he has joined Man City in a club-record £116m deal from Nottingham Forest, while a move for Mateus Fernandes was also gazumped by Tottenham Hotspur, and the Portuguese star made the move to north London for £85m.

A deal for Ederson has been agreed with Atalanta, although there have been reports that the deal could be on the verge of collapse, and now Man Utd chiefs are ready to make a statement deal come to life.

Man Utd Chiefs Jetting Out for Tchouameni Talks

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According to journalist Jose Felix, Man Utd chiefs are preparing to jet out of the UK to Madrid for talks over a deal to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni, who has been described as ‘world-class’, is currently representing France at the World Cup, and is expected to return to their starting lineup for their quarter-final clash with Morocco on Thursday after dealing with a thigh injury.

But the 26-year-old is now into the final two years of his contract at the Bernabeu, and reports suggest the Spanish side could be willing to let him leave, should new manager Jose Mourinho green light his departure.

United are keen to add a marquee name to their midfield to go alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, and the France international fits the bill with his excellent ball-winning qualities and ability on the ball.

Club chiefs are now preparing to jet out to hold talks about a deal, with a fee of around £80m mooted by figures in the press.

Tchouameni Would Be Perfect Signing

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While there have been links to a number of midfield signings all summer, it’s clear that Tchouameni is the man who should always have been the number one target if he is available.

It’s fair to say that the France star is among the very best midfield players in the world, and if United were able to find a way to convince him and Real Madrid to get a deal done, then they would be improving their midfield in a huge way, and potentially bringing in the best midfielder in the league.

The club have been pushing to seal deals for Michael Carrick to improve his squad, and Tchouameni would be the perfect option.

Liverpool are set to undergo a major squad rebuild this summer under new manager Andoni Iraola, and the attack is understood to be one of the priority positions to strengthen.

The Reds have already completed a deal to bring in Spain winger Victor Munoz for around £35m, having hijacked Newcastle’s move for the tricky forward at the 11th hour after they had already had a bid accepted.

Now the club are ready to try and do something similar once again but to Man Utd, as they eye up a £50m move to bring another forward in at Anfield ahead of the new season.

Liverpool Make Move to Hijack Man Utd Summerville Deal

According to a report by Caught Offside, Liverpool have made their move to find a deal with West Ham to sign winger Crysencio Summerville.

The Netherlands international, who has been described as ‘elite’, enjoyed a fine individual season for the Hammers but couldn’t stop them from being relegated to the Championship. He then went to the World Cup and shone for the Netherlands, scoring twice before their elimination on penalties against Morocco, where he missed in the shootout.

His performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs in Europe and the Premier League, and Liverpool have now made a ‘serious move’ for his services.

Man Utd had made the 24-year-old their leading target as they look to bolster their forward line ahead of a campaign that includes Champions League football, but Liverpool are pushing to muscle their way into the race.

Mohamed Salah’s departure, plus question marks around the future of Federico Chiesa, mean there are spots open in attack, and Summerville’s pace, trickery and goal threat make him a top candidate for the role. West Ham are understood to value him at £50m, however, there is a belief he could be available for considerably less.

Liverpool have previously been pushing for Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola for the roles, but have faced big hurdles in the race for their signature. It now looks as though they are ready to move on to alternative targets as a result.

Liverpool Can Hurt Man Utd Again

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Iraola’s arrival at Anfield was a surprise following Arne Slot’s sacking, but he is ready to make a big statement by building the squad in his own image and challenge for a Premier League title.

Summerville’s addition would not only be a major coup for the Anfield side, but it would also be a big blow to rivals Man Utd who are having a difficult window landing their top targets.

Liverpool are ready to go big in this window again, and Summerville could be the next man to arrive through the doors and help strengthen the squad ahead of what is a huge season.

Tottenham could still allow some high-profile players to leave the club this summer as they look to at least partly balance their spending. It has been a record summer already for Spurs, who have spent more than they ever have in a single window, splashing out more than £230million. That’s a total that was most recently added to by the signing of Sandro Tonali for £100million.

Roberto De Zerbi is being given new weapons aplenty in the hope of Tottenham becoming European football candidates again next season, and the spending is expected to continue. Both financially and in terms of Profit and Sustainability rules, Tottenham can afford to spend big this summer, having been incredibly balanced in their spending for the vast majority of years, all while being one of the most profitable clubs in the world.

But to prevent being restricted in future windows, it would be a good idea for them to commission a couple of big sales this summer, and we have already seen Luka Vuskovic head to Brighton for £46million. Cristian Romero could be the next to follow.

Romero still keen on Tottenham exit

Even with some tasty off-the-field comments about the club’s board, Romero has served Tottenham with an admirable commitment that will likely see him depart with a handshake and a slap on the back. At this stage, the Argentine wants a new challenge, and Spurs are happy to give him one, already preparing for his likely exit this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, LaLiga remains Romero’s destination of choice. “Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, at the moment, from Tottenham Hotspur, the view is clear, they have Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Senesi, they have plenty of centre-backs,” Romero said on his YouTube channel.

“Also, not playing European football this season, the idea of parting ways with Cuti Romero is still a serious possibility. So, there is still a strong chances for Romero to leave Tottenham this summer. Despite rumours from Italy that keep arriving with Romero, my understanding is that Romero would really like to have a new experience in LaLiga. So, Cuti Romero would like to have a new experience in LaLiga if the right opportunity arrives for him and for Tottenham.

“That could be an option for Barcelona, it could be an option for Atletico Madrid, we will see, but Romero would like to go to LaLiga and try an experience in Spain. We will see what arrives for Romero because he signed a contract only a year ago, the season was not easy, but at the same time, there could be movement also because Tottenham already signed several centre-backs, and they feel well-covered in that situation, so it’s going to be a situation to watch.”

De Zerbi knows Romero is a ‘big player’

De Zerbi hasn’t had much chance to work with Romero due to the defender’s injury issues at the end of last season. But the Italian did say: “He is a big player, but he is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time. Even though he didn’t play, we were talking by phone when he stayed here. Every morning he came in my office.”

Thomas Frank, who started last season as Spurs boss, said after one performance: “Praising Cuti, I think he deserves that. A top performance defending. On the ball: coolness, calmness, duels, then get up there and score two goals.

“I think the bicycle kick will most likely get a little more praise but I think the header is more exceptional, the way he does that is better than many strikers.”