Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement worth €100million with AS Monaco for Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman, 22, has become a mainstay for the Ligue 1 side, making 50 appearances last term.
He has previously been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid and Monaco have agreed a deal and are finalising the paperwork before his transfer to the Spanish capital will be announced.
The report goes on to say that Tchouameni only recently decided on a move to the Bernabeu.
His decision will come as a blow to Manchester United and Chelsea who are looking for a central midfielder to bolster their squads ahead of next season.
Tchouameni’s rise has seen him become a regular starter in the French national team, making 10 appearances in the past two years.
Meanwhile, he was also included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year over the last two seasons.
Both United and Chelsea are reportedly interested in Declan Rice but with West Ham demanding over £100 million Tchouameni seemed a viable alternative.
United will more than likely turn their attentions to Frenkie de Jong but recent reports suggest the Dutchman would prefer to stay at Barcelona.
Speaking last month, the Spanish side’s manager hinted De Jong could be sold due to the club’s lack of cash.
Xavi said: ‘He is a fundamental player, but then there is the financial situation of the club.’
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