Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni - and both they and Manchester United have been given an indication of how likely a deal could be.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the Reds have submitted a €55 million bid to sign Tchouameni, who rejected their advances to join Real Madrid last summer.
Once the season had began, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that an unnamed midfielder had turned down a move to Anfield during the window - and Tchouameni went on to seemingly reveal that he was the player in question.
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A move to Liverpool this summer would be a surprise, with the Reds in talks over a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram and showing active interest in signing Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone.
United, meanwhile, are another side attempting to bolster their midfield, having launched a second bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount on Friday.
And speaking on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube podcast, United legend Rio Ferdinand urged his former club to sign Tchouameni.
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He said: "In midfield, you know who I would go and get? I would go try to get Tchouameni.
"He's the one who doesn't play. He's the odd man out at the moment. I'd go and try and get him. Massive improvement [to the team]."
But both teams know they may face a challenging task to sign the France international.
Liverpool, Man Utd given Tchouameni hopes
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Speaking after signing for Real last summer, the 23-year-old appeared to confirm that he wanted to stay at the Bernabeu for the long-term and win trophies with the Spanish giants.
He told L'Equipe (quotes via Daily Mirror): "As soon as Real Madrid arrived on the scene, I did not hesitate. I want to leave a mark on football and the best club for this is Real Madrid. It's the best decision for me.
"When Madrid called, I didn't hesitate and I talked about it with my family. I wrote to my agent and told him: Do everything possible to take me there, please."
Therefore, while Tchouameni slipped down the Real pecking order towards the end of last season due to the form of Eduardo Camavinga, and despite the big-money arrival of Jude Bellingham this month, it appears the France midfielder isn't tempted to quit the Bernabeu any time soon.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers