Real Madrid are refusing to meet Monaco’s €80m (£68m) asking price for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are all believed to be interested in the France international but Real are the red-hot favourities for his signature, with the player keen on a move to the Bernabeu.
With the La Liga champions currently not willing to pay above €60m (£51m) plus add-ons for Tchouameni, though, it leaves his transfer to Spain in doubt.
Monaco have yet to respond to the offer formally, but if the French club do turn down the proposal, things could get interesting. It could simply be brinkmanship on Real’s part and they may decide to meet the 22-year-old’s valuation.
Alternatively, though, it could lead to other teams re-entering the battle. Whether Liverpool would get involved at the price mentioned, it seems unlikely, and it is thought that PSG could be the main beneficiary if Real’s bid does falter.
