Liverpool have been heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni and reportedly agreed on terms with the player earlier this month, but a new update from a reliable source has emerged which pushes the club even further away from signing the French youngster.

What's the latest?

Italian journalist and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Real Madrid are now close to completing a deal for the Monaco midfielder this summer.

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The transfer insider tweeted: "Things are happening behind the scenes of Aurelién Tchouaméni deal... but Real Madrid are still feeling confident and strong in talks with AS Monaco because of player's decision."

"Tchouaméni wants Real move as priority - up to the two clubs, still negotiating."

Liverpool supporters will be fuming

There is no doubt that Tchouameni is a hot prospect in the upcoming transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool all reportedly chasing his signature, so the news that he will likely complete a move to Spain instead will leave Reds supporters fuming.

The 22-year-old has had a phenomenal season in Ligue 1, proving to potential suitors that he can be the complete midfielder that every team needs.

In the most recent French top-flight campaign, he scored three goals, registered two assists and created six big chances, whilst being successful with most of his dribbles (73%) and completing the majority of his duels (64%).

Tchouameni also proved himself to be a standout right across European football over the most recent campaign, with the Frenchman completing the most interceptions (101) of any other player in the top five European leagues, which is highly impressive for a 22-year-old.

Therefore, signing the Monaco gem would be a major coup for Liverpool, who are looking to bolster their midfield options in the squad this summer, especially with James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara all in their 30s.  Given those circumstances, it seems clear that the Kopites are looking to identify the next generation of talent to follow on from the team who have had so much success over the past three years.

Not all hope is lost for FSG and Jurgen Klopp, as no official deal has been agreed between Tchouameni and Real Madrid, so Liverpool still have a chance to secure the talented youngster's signature this summer. Romano's update doesn't suggest that it is a likely prospect, though.

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