Tchouaméni's contract extension has been confirmed; if Real Madrid sells him, they will demand 100 million euros! Manchester United's signing of him requires two major prerequisites.

Speculation is rife about Manchester United's next midfield acquisition, but one thing is clear: if Sir Jim Ratcliffe had his pick, Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni would be his ideal target. Yet, to secure the 26-year-old French defensive midfielder, the Red Devils must fulfill several difficult conditions.

Real Madrid has reached a verbal agreement with Tchouaméni to extend his contract until 2031, adding three years to his original two-year deal and increasing his salary. This is an undeniable fact that has not changed; barring any surprises, the official announcement will be made once Tchouaméni returns from his post-World Cup vacation.

However, Manchester United believes this does not prevent Real Madrid from considering selling Tchouaméni, especially if they sign Manchester City's Spanish international Rodri and RB Leipzig's winger Diomandé. In that case, they might need to offload existing players to recoup some funds. But they will sell at a high price, not at a discount.

Manchester United's club reporter Andy Mitten stated: "Real Madrid has signed a three-year contract extension with Tchouaméni, who is also a target for Manchester United, and increased his salary, partly because they previously believed Manchester City's Rodri was unavailable. Later, Real Madrid realized that the Spanish World Cup-winning captain might be open to a transfer. If Real Madrid wants to make big signings, they must sell players at high prices. The Spanish club is currently considering multiple transfer deals; if they choose to sell Tchouaméni, his new contract will help them demand a higher transfer fee, as his previous contract had only two years left and Real Madrid did not want him to leave on a free transfer."

In addition to Manchester United having to pay the transfer fee Real Madrid demands, which is expected to be at least 100 million euros (£86 million) in fixed fee, the "Galácticos" must also clearly indicate that they have put Tchouaméni on the market and force him to leave. Otherwise, Tchouaméni is very happy at the Bernabéu and would not consider leaving on his own. Mitten explained: "Manchester United have always admired Tchouaméni and know that the midfielder is very happy at Real Madrid, but if Real Madrid no longer wants him, he would choose to leave. If that's the case, he might consider joining Manchester United."

The Manchester Evening News reported: "It is heard that Manchester United have many options in midfield this summer, which is why they are linked with every player. Many of the names you have seen in recent days are potential targets. Currently, Manchester United have not yet identified a top target, but they have held talks with agents of some players to assess the cost of a deal. Tchouaméni remains Manchester United's dream signing, although they are also scouting several midfielders, the club is currently more inclined to wait and see if Tchouaméni's situation at Real Madrid changes."

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also provided an update on Manchester United's third new midfield signing, but he didn't even mention Tchouaméni. The players on Romano's list involving the Red Devils include Botafogo's Danilo, Roma's Manu Koné, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

Romano said: "Brazilian international Danilo has been recommended to Manchester United. However, this is not a negotiation initiated by the club. Manchester United are considering signing Koné, and the club has had communication and substantive dialogue with his agent, but have not yet contacted Roma. Manchester United have not yet opened formal negotiations with Roma nor made a formal offer, as they are still deciding which defensive midfielder they want to sign and their overall midfield plan. Danilo was recommended to Manchester United, while Koné is a case where United actively contacted the agent; the two situations differ, and no club-to-club negotiations have taken place yet."

Finally, Romano concluded: "Manchester United may pursue other midfielders; everything remains uncertain. Carlos Baleba is a player who is very eager to join Manchester United. He has wanted to join United for over a year now, but whether to restart negotiations with Brighton will depend entirely on Manchester United's decision."