Manchester United are closely monitoring developments surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni after the Real Madrid midfielder was involved in a dramatic collision during training, which has raised fresh questions over his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
United have been tracking Tchouameni ahead of the summer transfer window and sources close to the club say the English giants are waiting to see if they can capitalise on the fallout from his fallout with teammate Federico Valverde.
The France international was involved in a heated altercation during training this week. Valverde even required hospital treatment after suffering a blow to the head during the clash between the two players.
Tchouameni's future at Madrid had already been in doubt and the incident has immediately sparked fresh speculation that one of the midfielders could be sacrificed in the summer.
So far, Real Madrid have tried to keep the situation within the club. It is believed that both players held talks after the incident and were fined 500 euros each. However, no sporting action is expected against them.
The timing of the incident comes at the most inopportune moment for the Madrid team, as they face FC Barcelona today in one of the most important matches of the season.
Real Madrid must win this match to prevent Barcelona from being declared champions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are preparing for a major midfield overhaul this summer and are expected to sign two central midfielders. Qualifying for the Champions League would significantly strengthen the English club's position in the race for elite targets.
Tchouameni continues to be highly regarded at Old Trafford for his qualities, physical profile and ability to control the game from midfield. The 26-year-old has previously hinted that he would be open to playing in England at some stage in his career.
However, sources insist that the clash with Valverde does not automatically mean that Tchouameni is for sale.
Some believe the situation could develop over the summer, but Real Madrid's current position is that the incident is not enough to prompt a departure and that the club will resolve the matter once they appoint a new coach.
Currently, Jose Mourinho is considered the favorite to take over at Real Madrid before the start of next season.
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