Manchester United have reportedly suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of long-term midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni.
According to The Sun, new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho wants Tchouameni to stay at the club.
The Red Devils view the French international as one of the ideal candidates to eventually replace Casemiro and anchor their midfield for years to come.
Tchouameni recently found himself at the centre of controversy following reports of a dressing-room altercation with Federico Valverde.
With Valverde already a cult figure at Madrid, many believed that the club figures would be open to selling Tchouameni.
However, the arrival of Mourinho has seemingly changed things.
The Portuguese manager is famous for building teams with strong defence and authority.
Tchouameni fits that profile perfectly.
The 26-year-old thrives as a defensive midfielder, relishing tackles, disrupting opposition attacks and covering enormous ground with relentless intensity.
His arrival at Old Trafford could have created a dream midfield partnership alongside Kobbie Mainoo, allowing the academy graduate greater freedom to influence games further forward.
The Red Devils have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
The club could sign two more midfielders and allow Manuel Ugarte to leave Old Trafford.
A midfield rebuild featuring Ederson, Tchouameni and another elite addition would have represented a transformative overhaul for the Red Devils.
However, with Tchouameni seemingly moving further out of reach, United may now be forced to intensify their focus on alternative targets.
Elliot Anderson is understood to be their primary target but he appears closer to securing a move to Manchester City.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
