Liverpool have been told that Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni will not be available this summer, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.
The midfielder was a prime target to bolster Jurgen Klopp's midfield ranks last summer. Instead, the Reds lost out to the club that defeated them in the Champions League Final and the repercussions were felt throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Since opting to trade Monaco for Madrid instead of Merseyside, however, the Frenchman has struggled for game time with under two thirds of his 33 La Liga appearances so far for Carlo Ancelotti's side coming as a starter. This was due to Eduardo Camavinga's stellar form, and with Jude Bellingham's signing confirmed last week, Tchouameni could be in line for further struggles.
Days ago El Nacional even reported that Liverpool were lining up a £55 million offer to tempt their old target to the Premier League, however the rumour has been quickly shut down by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
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Addressing his Youtube subscribers last night with the latest rumours from around Europe, he said: "About Aurelian Tchouameni, his name is rumoured for Premier League clubs - no.
“At the moment the intention is for Tchouameni to stay at Real Madrid. They want him to stay, he’s a crucial player for the project and for the future of the club. So, nothing has changed around Tchouameni.”
Whilst the news that Tchouamani would not be heading to Anfield 12 months ago was so damaging, this time the Reds are prepared and have been progressing with other targets.
The club have been heavily linked with a move for the Madrid stars' countryman Khephren Thuram, with an official bid expected upon the completion of his international duties at the Under-21 European Championships.
Other names tipped to be on the club's radar instead of Tchouameni are Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach, Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch.
