Man Utd news: Aurelien Tchouameni transfer path clear as rivals not pursuing £35m target

Manchester United are likely to have money to spend on new recruits if they can confirm qualification for next season's Champions League

A weekend victory at Chelsea has left Manchester United one step closer to Champions League qualification and big signings are set to follow if they can get the job done. One of the key areas is in central midfield, with Casemiro due to leave in the summer.

Aurelien Tchouameni replaced Casemiro at Real Madrid in 2022, arriving just a few weeks before the Brazilian's Old Trafford transfer was confirmed. Now, reports indicate the French international could replace the Brazilian in England as he did in Spain.

United's weekend victory, combined with Brighton's win over Chelsea, means the Red Devils can guarantee a top-five finish with just two wins from their final five games. The first two of those games are on home turf, with Brentford and Liverpool coming to Old Trafford.

More certainty over summer transfer plans is likely to emerge once United know which - if any - European competition they will be involved in next season. That hasn't stopped speculation, though, and we have the latest headlines here.

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Tchouameni situation clear

The loss of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho should make it easier for United to cover Aurelien Tchouameni's wages if they can reach a transfer agreement with Real Madrid, according to BBC Sport. With two high earners making their way at the end of their contracts, any issues over wage budget are unlikely to hinge on whether or not Barcelona take up their option on Marcus Rashford at the end of his loan.

One thing which could complicate things, however, is Madrid's ability to land a replacement. According to the Manchester Evening News, Premier League stars Rodri and Enzo Fernandez are among the big names who they might need to land before parting ways with Tchouameni.

Rodri is about to enter the final year of his Manchester City contract and could be the subject of a knock-down bid. Argentina international Fernandez may also be available in the summer, especially if Chelsea miss out on Champions League football.

Barca not after Conceicao

According to Mundo Deportivo, Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceicao is not a target for Barcelona. Palmeiras youngster Conceicao has reportedly been the subject of a United bid worth around £35million plus add-ons but reports of meetings involving the player's representatives and Barca chief Deco are said to be wide of the mark.

United could still face competition from elsewhere in the Premier League, though. The same publication indicates Newcastle have also lodged a bid, while Manchester City are said to have scouted the 16-year-old.

Conceicao, who plays on the wing, scored twice for Brazil during their run to the semi-finals of this year's South American Under-17 championship. As was the case with his compatriot Estevao, the teenager will not be allowed to move to Europe until he turns 18 - in December of next year.

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