Chelsea emerge as Tchouameni rivals as Alonso tells board to sign Man Utd target if Fernandez leaves

Manchester United's pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni faces a new complication after Xabi Alonso reportedly told Chelsea to sign the Real Madrid midfielder if Enzo Fernandez leaves Stamford Bridge.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the new Chelsea manager has identified Tchouameni as a key target, having had a "special connection" with the Frenchman during his time in charge at the Bernabeu. Alonso also admires Real Madrid's Arda Guler, though the 21-year-old is unlikely to move.

What is the Fernandez situation?

Enzo Fernandez is still pushing for a move away from Chelsea. His agent Javier Pastore said: "At the moment, the player is calmly focusing on the national team. He's thinking only about that, whilst we're looking at options for him to leave Chelsea, but there's nothing definite or confirmed with any club."

Jose Mourinho wants to bring Fernandez to Real Madrid but Chelsea are holding firm on an asking price of around £120 million. Alonso has reportedly warned Chelsea's hierarchy not to sell Fernandez after being left "disappointed" by Marc Cucurella's £52 million move to Madrid.

How does this affect Tchouameni?

Real Madrid are reluctant to sell Tchouameni but would do so if they complete a deal for Fernandez. If an exit looks likely, Madrid will reportedly seek €90 million (£77 million) for the France international, a fee that would go a long way to covering the cost of signing Fernandez.

What has Rio Ferdinand said?

Ferdinand predicted on his YouTube channel that United are deliberately holding their budget for Tchouameni.

He said: "I think Man United are holding up their money, they're holding the money back for one man and that's Tchouameni. If he becomes available in this market, Man United are not going to miss. They can't afford to miss that one. They may let another couple slip through the bag if the price isn't right."

Ferdinand also addressed the Mateus Fernandes situation: "I've woke up to the news that Fernandes from West Ham could be going to Spurs, 80 million, huge money, it's thrown me. I think Manchester United and Arsenal have made it very clear, they have a stance in this window. They're not going to overpay for people who they don't feel they should."