Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The 22-year-old is widely expected to leave his Ligue 1 club during this summer's transfer window, and Chelsea have been strongly linked with the France international for a number of months.

The Blues were thought to be the favourites for the midfielder, but according to SoyMadridista, Real Madrid have accelerated their efforts to bring him to Bernabeu.

The report claims that the Spanish club's chief scout Juni Calafat has flown to Monaco to hold discussions with Tchouameni's representatives to discuss a switch this summer.

Real Madrid are allegedly now at the head of the queue for the midfielder, with Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti identifying him as a leading transfer target ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Tchouameni has been in impressive form for Monaco this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, while he has also become an important player for France since making his national team debut last September.

Real Madrid allegedly believe that the Frenchman could be a long-term replacement for Casemiro. body check tags ::