Three alternatives Manchester United can target as Aurelien Tchouameni nears Real Madrid move

Manchester United badly need a defensive midfielder this summer. Given that Declan Rice has seemingly been priced out of a move by West Ham United, Aurelien Tchouameni suddenly looked like the perfect option for United to target. But the Frenchman is now on the verge of completing a move to Real Madrid.

A holding midfielder needs to be a priority for United this summer but the issue is that the options are becoming more and more limited; Boubacar Kamara was another player a lot of fans thought the club should sign but he has moved to Aston Villa. So, let's have a look at some of the other options Erik ten Hag could consider.

The 22-year-old RC Lens midfielder has been linked with a move this summer after impressing with the French club alongside Seko Fofana. Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in his services but he has the skills needed to play at a much higher level.

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According to FBref, Doucoure averages 6.26 progressive passes per 90 minutes played and 6.87 progressive carries, stats which rank him among the best in his position and this would help him thrive in a possession-based system. He is also defensively solid, averaging 2.63 tackles and 2.26 interceptions per 90 minutes and alongside someone like Frenkie de Jong, he would create a good double pivot.

The Austrian midfielder is reportedly available for a cut-price fee this summer with his contract expiring in 2023. As part of RB Leipzig's double pivot he has thrived and he is effective both in and out of possession.

According to FBref, he averages 4.22 progressive passes and 6.36 progressive carries per 90 minutes played. Defensively he contributes 2.99 tackles but only 1.09 interceptions