Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has called on his old club to make every effort to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni.
Manchester United news reports that the club legend believes Tchouameni would be the ideal player to strengthen the Red Devils’ midfield.
United have been active in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, and improving the midfield is seen as one of the club’s biggest priorities.
While the Red Devils have already secured the signing of Brazilian international Ederson from Atalanta, they continue to search for another high-quality midfielder who can raise the standard of the squad.
Ferdinand believes Tchouameni fits that profile perfectly and has even made a public appeal for the Madrid star to consider a move to Old Trafford if he decides to leave the Spanish giants.
Speaking on his podcast and YouTube channel, the former England defender admitted he has previously spoken privately with the 26-year-old.
He then delivered a personal message, insisting United should be the France international’s first choice if he becomes available.
According to Ferdinand, United cannot afford to hesitate if there is any indication that Madrid are willing to part with the midfielder.
He believes the club should move immediately and ensure they are leading the race before any rivals have the chance to enter negotiations.
Ferdinand described Tchouameni as one of the first names on his midfield shortlist, especially as United continue planning for life after Casemiro.
The Brazilian has been a key figure since arriving from Madrid, but the club is looking to gradually refresh their midfield with younger players capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.
Tchouameni has long been admired across Europe for his physical strength, defensive awareness and ability to control matches from deep midfield.
After making his name at AS Monaco, he earned a big-money move to Madrid, where he has become an important member of the squad despite facing fierce competition for places.
However, questions have recently emerged over his long-term future in Spain.
Reports have suggested Madrid could be willing to listen to offers worth around £70 million as they look to create room for further additions under new manager Jose Mourinho.
Tchouameni is an important player for both club and country.
However, his future has become the subject of growing speculation following reports of tension within the Madrid dressing room last season, including a disagreement with teammate Federico Valverde.
Those developments have naturally attracted interest from several leading European clubs, with United among those believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
United’s need for another midfielder has become even more pressing after setbacks in their pursuit of other transfer targets.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson now appears set to join Manchester City after the Premier League champions reportedly agreed a deal worth £116 million with the Tricky Trees.
Meanwhile, United also face serious competition in the race for Mateus Fernandes, with Tottenham Hotspur increasingly confident of securing the talented midfielder ahead of the Red Devils.
If both deals fail to materialise, Ferdinand believes United should concentrate all their efforts on bringing Tchouameni to Old Trafford.
The former defender sees the Frenchman as a player capable of immediately improving the team while also providing stability in midfield for many years.
His experience at Madrid, combined with his performances for France on the international stage, makes him one of Europe’s most complete midfielders despite still being only 26 years old.
United are also monitoring several alternative options. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is on the club’s radar, although his reported £60m valuation could be a stumbling block.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has also been linked with the Red Devils in recent months, though no serious move has yet developed.
