Liverpool have been given no indication that Real Madrid are willing to sell Aurelien Tchouameni, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Speaking to Rousing the Kop following reports that the Reds have already held conversations with the Frenchman’s entourage about a €60m (£50m) move, Bailey said:

“From what I’m hearing they’re not in a hurry to get rid of him. But clearly, if he is available, his people liked Liverpool, so, Liverpool would be one of the first teams to get a phone call.”

“Would Liverpool turn their noses up at him? I don’t think they would but I think people are jumping the gun a little bit on that one.”

A lot may depend on Real’s interest in a City player

Tchouameni is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but he has been a regular starter this season. That could change, though, if Madrid decide to bring in another holding midfielder at the end of the season.

It has been claimed that Manchester City’s Rodri is on the European champions’ radar. If Real did make a concerted effort to secure the Ballon d’Or winner’s services next summer, it would raise more question marks about Tchouameni’s future.

Tchouameni has been pursued by Liverpool for several years

The France international was originally targeted by the Reds during the 2022 summer transfer window when he was at Monaco but he rejected overtures from the Merseysiders in favour of a £100m switch to the Bernabeu.

Bailey does say that Tchouameni could be more open to a move now “if he is available” but there is no guarantee that he is at the moment.

At this stage, fans should not be getting their hopes up about the 24-year-old making the transfer to Anfield in the near future.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here