Liverpool have been dealt yet another hammer blow in their search for a new defensive midfielder this summer.
The Reds are long-term admirers of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. However, The Athletic claims he has no interest in leaving the Spanish capital this summer.
Los Blancos forked out over €100 million to prise the 23-year-old midfielder away from AS Monaco last summer.
He was expected to replace Casemiro and did so with aplomb in the opening half of the season but had a drop-off in form after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, he remained a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, bagging four assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Tchouameni averaged 1.9 tackles per 90 and 1.5 interceptions per game while winning 65% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial battles.
The ex-Monaco man is already focused on putting the previous campaign behind him and played 90 minutes in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their La Liga curtain-raiser.
He would have been an excellent addition for Liverpool, who are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder after losing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
However, not only are Madrid unwilling to listen to offers for Tchouameni, but the player is also uninterested in a departure after just 12 months in the Spanish capital.
Liverpool have missed out on Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo despite agreeing an eye-watering £110m deal with the Seagulls.
The Ecuadorian rejected a chance to join the Reds after giving Chelsea his word earlier this summer and is on the cusp of finalising his dream move to Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool could suffer the same fate in their pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is also attracting strong interest from Chelsea.
They have reportedly agreed a deal with the Saints but could face trouble convincing the player to choose them over a move to London.
