Real Madrid step up their pursuit of Tchouameni with a £68 million bid

Real Madrid have made an improved £68 million offer for Monaco midfielder and Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also chasing the 22-year-old's signature, with Monaco earmarking Brighton's Yves Bissouma as a potential replacement should he depart.

The Frenchman operates predominantly as a defensive-minded central midfielder and could be Real Madrid's long-term plan to replace 37-year-old Luka Modric in the engine room.

The newly-crowned Champions League winners are reportedly offering Tchouameni a five-year deal in the Spanish capital as part of their enhanced bid, according to Sky Sports.

It is likely the La Liga giants have a little extra money to spend this summer than they perhaps originally thought following the failed blockbuster transfer of Kylian Mbappe, who chose to remain at PSG rather than start a new chapter at the Bernabeu.

Having made his senior international debut last September, Tchouameni has since accrued eight caps for France and looks set to join them in Qatar for their World Cup defence.

The Rouen-born youngster has also helped steer Monaco to a third place finish in Ligue 1 this campaign, contributing 50 appearances in all competitions at the base of midfield.

Despite Real Madrid's fresh offer, Liverpool are still interested in attracting the Frenchman to Anfield.

Tchouameni fits the typical profile expected from a Jurgen Klopp midfielder, possessing work ethic, defensive awareness and high-intensity running.

Monaco are reportedly interested in signing 25-year-old Bissouma as a replacement following four fruitful seasons at Brighton.

The Malian midfielder is no stranger to life in Ligue 1, having played for Lille between 2016 and 2018.

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