Bellingham gives Pochettino green light to complete dream £68.5m transfer

Chelsea are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and Mauricio Pochettino appears to have set his sights on a certain Real Madrid star who almost joined last year

Los Blancos secured the teenage sensation's signature last week as part of a deal which could rise to £115million. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are both expected to sign one-year extensions in the Spanish capital, while Dani Ceballos is said to be close to penning a three-year contract.

Carlo Ancelotti will be treated to a wealth of midfield options next season, with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde also pushing for a place in the starting lineup. As a result, first-team minutes could be difficult to come by and Chelsea seem eager to capitalise on the uncertainty which hangs over Tchouameni's future.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Blues have already tabled an opening bid of €60million (£51.4m) for the France international this summer, but it was swiftly turned down. The report states that Chelsea are now considering whether or not to raise their offer to €80m (£68.5m), which could tempt Real Madrid.

And, it turns out that Claude Makelele helped Real Madrid wrap up a deal. Speaking to AS last year, the 50-year-old said: "When Tchouameni was about to sign for Real, I spoke with Florentino and he wanted to know more about him. Chelsea were also interested but if Madrid love you, you should go because it’s the best way to be at your best."

Nevertheless, several months after penning a deal at Real Madrid, Tchouameni reflected on his switch and confirmed that Liverpool made the first move. In an interview with French publication Le Parisien, he explained why he chose the Spanish giants.

"The first to come forward was Liverpool. We had discussions," said Tchouameni. "Then Real arrived. And in my head everything was clear. It was Real and not another. It's the biggest club in the world.

"If you claim to accomplish great things, to mark the history of your sport, there is no better. So I didn't hesitate for a second. I told my agent: as long as there is interest, we do everything to go there.

"I was already conditioned. When Paris showed up, my choice was already made, even if I was happy to be approached by PSG."