Nicky Butt has endorsed Manchester United’s interest in Aurelien Tchouameni but believes signing the Real Madrid midfielder is ‘a long shot’.
United are in the market for at least one central midfielder in the summer transfer window with Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer.
Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali are all on United’s shortlist, while reports this week have claimed that the club are also keeping tabs on Tchouameni’s situation at Madrid.
Butt has described Tchouameni as a ‘phenomenal player’ but believes Madrid are unlikely to sell the France international, who is valued at £70 million.
‘I loved him at Monaco before he went to Real Madrid. I think he’s a phenomenal footballer and exactly what United need in that sitting area,’ Butt told Paddy Power.
‘I don’t see Real Madrid selling Tchouameni until they get somebody who can replace him – maybe Rodri if Pep leaves Man City – or if [Florentino Perez] wants to rip it up because they’re not winning.
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‘He’s a phenomenal player and that would be showing real intent of, we’re not messing about, we’re going to go for it.
‘He’s playing for one of the biggest football clubs in the world. It’s a long shot and, for me, depends on if Pep was to leave.’
Asked if Tchouameni is a better signing than either Wharton or Anderson, Butt said: ‘I’d go for two of them.
‘In years gone by Man United would have gone for both. Whether that’s doable or not, I’m not sure.
‘I always talk about Premier League experience, but that’s more with younger players, like a Rasmus Hojlund or a Benjamin Sesko.
‘This boy has been playing in Europe, in the Champions League for years.
‘He’s a top player, an international player, been in big tournaments. He’s a fantastic player, so with that one I think you just go, ‘he’s capable’.
‘Obviously you never quite know until they come in but he’s a beast of a player.
‘Tchouameni is getting into his prime, he’s got everything. He’s a good footballer, powerful, quick, strong, aggressive. He’s one that we will need.’
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