Report: Liverpool and Manchester City open talks to sign £42m midfielder

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TuttoJuve claim that Liverpool and Manchester City are two of a handful of European heavyweights to open talks over a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni, 21, has already made himself a regular at senior level with France’s squad, after shining in the red and white of Monaco recently.

Despite his tender age, the youngster has already played 65 times for Monaco’s first team. His form is attracting the interest of Europe’s biggest.

The report states that Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in the midfielder – opening talks and enquiring as to Tchouameni’s asking price.

Indeed, Monaco have informed Liverpool and Manchester City – as well as Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea – that Tchouameni will cost £42million.

The report also states that Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea are leading the race to land the midfielder. Chelsea are willing to pay as much as £51million.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea – which is best for Tchouameni?

All three would be brilliant for Tchouameni. Manchester City need a deep-lying midfielder, with Fernandinho expected to go next summer.

But is as defensively sound as Fernandinho? Probably not. He is more of a midfielder that plays next to Fernandinho, and City have plenty.

Chelsea also have plenty – Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, even the returning Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek can play in that role.

Signing Tchouameni would stunt the growth of Billy Gilmour too. Liverpool, though, desperately need midfield depth – to replace Gini Wijnaldum.