Manchester United switch attentions to Frenchman as Kalvin Phillips ready to reject Red Devils

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 9:17 pm GMT+1

Manchester United have reportedly switched their attentions to Monaco midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni after Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly ready to turn down a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been in desperate need of a midfield addition or two for much of the last decade, but this summer the situation will become particularly dire, with both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic leaving the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

BREAKING: #MUFC midfielder Nemanja Matić will LEAVE the club this summer 🔴 pic.twitter.com/1Ex0b7RgzK
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 15, 2022

This means that, as things stand heading into next season, Fred and Scott McTominay are the only options at the club, while Donny Van De Beek will return from loan at Everton and James Garner has impressed at Nottingham Forest.

For their title aspirations, however, that is not good enough.

And as a result, they have been forced to look for more additions this summer.

Phillips to stay at Leeds but Monaco open to Tchouamani move

Now, as per the Sun, Kalvin Phillips is keen to remain at Elland Road beyond this summer, despite interest from Aston Villa and Manchester United.

'Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is hopeful of a new deal to stay at the club long-term, despite interest from Manchester United', they report, with the midfielder 'more open to staying at Elland Road than ever'.

As a result, Manchester United and incoming boss Erik ten Hag will be forced to look elsewhere, and ESPN report that this could translate into a move for Monaco midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni. The Frenchman, already a key cog for his national team, has caught the eye of Europe's elite this season with his performances in Ligue 1, with Real Madrid also thought to be keen.

France v Ivory Coast - International Friendly MARSEILLE, FRANCE - MARCH 25: Aurelien Tchouameni of France celebrates his goal with William Saliba during the International friendly match between France and Ivory Coast at Stade Velodrome on March 25, 2022 in Marseille, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

And the outlet reports that 'Monaco are open to negotiations regarding a move for their rising star this summer and will ask for a transfer fee of €60-€70 million', with Tchouameni keen on a move away from France this summer.

Should he move to Old Trafford, it would be quite the statement of intent from the Red Devils.

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Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.