Jose Mourinho ends Liverpool's dreams of signing Real Madrid star this summer
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesTransfersLiverpool has big transfer business to do this summer - but despite holding an interest in Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, the midfielder won't be heading to Anfield this summerJose Mourinho back at Real Madrid(Image: Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Liverpool have had the door slammed shut on reported transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni by Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.The French international has been linked with a move to Anfield since back in 2022 and his name re-emerged on the club's shortlist for this summer as they seek new bodies to compete for the title.Tchouameni, 26, faces an awkward pre-season with Madrid who are actively - and publicly - seeking fresh reinforcements in the centre of midfield. The likes of Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City's Rodri are both potential options for Los Blancos and that leaves Tchouameni's future up in the air - though Madrid has denied any interest in Fernandez.The Reds, as well as Manchester United in the Premier League, had hoped to convince the player to consider a move to England and were waiting on Madrid possibly allowing him to move on this season.However, according to TeamTalk, new boss Mourinho has told Tchouameni that he will be given the opportunity to prove his worth and attempt to establish himself as a starting midfielder under the Portuguese gaffer.Liverpool has been monitoring the Frenchman closely throughout the summer and will see this latest development as a disappointing one.
The same publication claims Mourinho has also ordered his scouting staff and the club to focus more on strengthening his central defense as opposed to his engine room options.And that is another reason the Anfield giants may have to move on to other transfer targets with Madrid potentially no longer seeking midfield replacements.Aurelien Tchouameni in action for Real Madrid(Image: Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Tchouameni has even reportedly been told that Real Madrid may look to build its squad around him and give him the playing time he has been craving since he joined from AS Monaco in 2022.Liverpool has been paying close attention to the situation and have been keeping in contact with the player's representation at Excellence Sport Nation.It was made clear, though, that Tchouameni had never indicated a true desire to leave the Bernabeu but rather it was his preferred long-term destination so long as certain assurances were given.Mourinho offering those promises will likely see him sticking around in La Liga and becoming one of their most prominent and key players within the squad.The Tchouameni transfer, of course, is not the only disappointing one for new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard has been hoping to add to his squad for the new season but is yet to dip too much into the market.Central defender Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes while winger Victor Munoz was added to the roster from Osasuna.Other big name targets such as Yan Diomande has opted to make the switch to Paris Saint-Germain over Anfield while Bradley Barcola may still sign for the club.However - again - Liverpool faces competition from Arsenal in a bid to compete the signing of the attacker who is currently joining Tchouameni at the World Cup with Les Bleus.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCTransfersJose MourinhoAndoni Iraola