Manchester United are said to have a chance of pulling off an impressive Real Madrid coup this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Michael Carrick needing to replace Casemiro, who departs at the end of his contract on Tuesday.

Carrick has already added Ederson from Atalanta, and more midfield recruits are required this summer. United have the money, and Carrick will be allowed to splurge on a marquee midfield signing.

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is being heavily linked, but United are going to have to keep other avenues open amid competition.

Tchouameni linked with Old Trafford switch

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Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to United this summer. Tchouameni has been a steady performer at the Bernabeu, but he could be edged out of José Mourinho’s new starting XI this summer.

Mourinho wants a marquee midfield signing of his own, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez being linked, and should someone of the Argentine’s calibre arrive, an existing midfielder is going to lose his place in the starting XI.

That could be Tchouameni, and according to reports, United could exploit that to secure a dream deal for the talented Frenchman, who may be available for around £70million.

Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell Tchouameni, but a big offer could change their stance, especially if they get their big midfield signing. Tchouameni’s midfield teammate Eduardo Camavinga is more likely to be sold as far as Real Madrid are concerned, but again, it will come down to what offers come in.

Although journalist Nico Shira has claimed Tchouameni is not in Mourinho’s starting XI plans as things stand, claiming: “Aurelien Tchouameni is not central in Jose Mourinho’s plans and so he could leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.”

Tchouameni’s wages won’t be a problem for United

According to Ben Jacobs, Tchouameni’s sizable wages will not be an issue for United, and a deal could be on the cards, but only if Real Madrid do decide to sell.

Jacobs told The United Stand: “Tchouameni’s wages are not an issue in my opinion. Manchester United would be prepared to make a player like that one of their top earners. They’re not in that territory of £300,000 [per week] Rashford, Sancho-type wages, but nor is Tchouameni by the way.

“So I’m not aware that personal terms with Tchouameni would be a problem. The challenge is, what midfielder do Real sign? Is it in Tchouameni’s position? Even if it isn’t, do they bring in enough funds elsewhere, or do they need one big sale to make a play at Enzo Fernandez? Jose Mourinho has said he wants Enzo Fernandez, and this is why talks are expected to begin between Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“So I doubt Man Utd would be walking away from a prospective Tchouameni deal [based] on wages. I think they would hold some optimism that if the player genuinely becomes available, it’s a viable move.”

After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.

Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.

As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.

South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online

In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea’s best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.

Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect’s identity, as public anger over the team’s tournament exit continues to brew.

The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while “Hong Myung-bo banned” notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.

The anger largely stems from Korea’s 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong’s safety upon his return.

Hong Myung-bo’s Future

Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters

The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong’s controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association’s selection process at the time.

A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.

Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.

Liverpool are said to have reached out to see if they can sign a high-profile midfielder this summer, but they have some work to do if they want to complete the deal. Andoni Iraola is hoping to put his own stamp on this Liverpool side before the summer is over, and he has already begun with the signing of compatriot Víctor Muñóz.

But beyond changing the identity of this team, Iraola also knows he has gaps to fill and areas to improve, with Mo Salah and Ibrahima Konate in need of replacing, while most also recognise the Reds need a dominant midfielder if they are going to content with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

With Declan Rice and Rodri respectively, both of the Premier League common have dominant midfielders in common, and having a strong pivot now feels as though it is a necessity in the modern game.

Liverpool check on Camavinga

According to Team Talk, Liverpool have reached out to Real Madrid to see if Eduardo Camavinga is available this summer. The 23-year-old midfielder is coming off the back of a season that saw him perform below his usual standards, although it’s true that Real Madrid disappointed on the whole.

Camavinga ended up missing out on the France World Cup squad, but he is still among the best midfielders in the World, and at 23 years of age, he has plenty of potential still to reach.

Interestingly, Mundo Deportivo have now followed up the report by adding that Real Madrid are willing to sell Camavinga this summer as they look to land a new midfielder. José Mourinho wants a world-beating midfield signing, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is being heavily linked.

Camavinga is said to be available for around £51.7million, which is a tempting price for a player of Camavinga’s age and experience. The problem, according to the report, is that Camavinga currently has no intentions of leaving the Bernabeu, so he is going to have to be convinced by an interesting club before a deal can truly be on the cards.

Camavinga’s versatility stands out

The added value of a Camavinga deal is that he can quite comfortably play at left-back when called upon. Carlo Ancelotti said of the Frenchman playing full-back last year: “He’s a player with extraordinary qualities. He can play anywhere on the pitch, he’s special. He can play as a midfielder, or as a defender.”

A couple of years earlier, Ancelotti said: “He is taking advantage of the time he has played as a full-back to improve his boundaries.

“He is very young and he has to mature his experience and his tactical knowledge. Technically, he has nothing to learn and, physically, he has the engine of a Ferrari, not like a (Fiat) 500.”