Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign two new midfielders this summer amid Manchester United’s interest in Aurelien Tchouameni.
‘The Special One’ is poised to return to the Bernabeu 13 years after his first spell in charge with the club in disarray.
A second trophyless season in a row has been marred by dressing room altercations, disciplinary issues and squad division with a poll calling for Kylian Mbappe to leave the club signed by millions worldwide.
While presidential elections have briefly taken centre stage, Mourinho will be tasked with restoring some order and has submitted a report to the club outlining the strengths and weaknesses in the group, calling for four new signings this summer.
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AS report would like the club to sign at least one centre-half, at least one full-back and two central midfielders.
Mourinho regards strengthening the midfield a vital and wants a defensive midfielder and a creative midfielder at his disposal.
Tchouameni has been a key figure at Real, effectively replacing Casemiro following his move to United in 2023 in addition to offering cover in other positions.
The report states however Mourinho wants a midfielder capable of competing with the France international and to offer cover.
Real have failed to truly replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park with a more creative midfielder a priority for Mourinho.
United meanwhile have also made rebuilding their midfield their most urgent business. With Casemiro moving on, the club want at least two news options in the middle of the park – three should Manuel Ugarte also move on.
United are said to regard Tchouameni as a dream signing – but are fully aware of how highly he is valued in the Spanish capital.
Elliot Anderson is another top target with Manchester City also interested in signing the Nottingham Forest.
Reports in recent days have suggested United’s focus has now shifted to Sandro Tonali and Atalanta midfielder Ederson with a deal with the latter on the brink of being agreed.