Casemiro has reportedly told Manchester United which player he wants to interchange him in midfield because the club prepare to interrupt the bank once more this summer.
The Red Devils made it their priority to overhaul Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack last summer, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all arriving through the doors for a combined fee of around £200million.
Old Trafford bosses had also been keen to usher in a central midfielder to fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation and a bunch of high-profile names were linked, including Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba.
Brighton have since confirmed that United made an ambitious approach for Baleba towards the tip of the transfer window, only to easily ‘go away’ when informed the Cameroon international was not on the market.
It’s understood United are satisfied with their new-look frontline, which has been firing on all cylinders in the course of the side’s revival under Michael Carrick, and attentions have already turned to strengthening in midfield.
In response to Spanish outlet AS, United’s hierarchy are preparing themselves for ‘a significant summer transfer spree’ and the search is underway for an ‘irreplaceable’ midfielder who could be able to leaving a ‘lasting legacy’.
In January, Casemiro announced that this season could be his last on the Theatre of Dreams – and replacing the Brazilian is anticipated to ‘come at a steep price’, with United freeing up transfer funds of around £170million.
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Old Trafford chiefs are favouring players with proven Premier League experience – following the success of Cunha and Mbeumo – and the scale of United’s warchest could see as many as three midfielders added to the squad.
It’s claimed Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson all find themselves towards the highest of United’s wishlist, while Adam Wharton and Joao Gomes are each believed to be ‘further down’ within the Red Devils’ priorities.
United are said to view Guimaraes as a ‘foundational player for the long run’ and Casemiro has himself advisable that a move for his fellow countryman is explored.
Newcastle stand to make a tidy profit should they determine to money in on Guimaraes, having signed the 28-year-old from Lyon for a fee of £42m 4 years ago.
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The Magpies have been clear that Guimaraes shouldn’t be on the market, though, and there are currently talks in place for the Brazil international to increase his stay at St James’ Park, ‘complicating’ a possible move from United.
In relation to Guimaraes’ Newcastle midfield partner, Tonali, the report claims a switch to top Premier League team – quite than a return to Serie A – is becoming ‘increasingly likely’ for the Italy international.
United are said to have held ‘informal’ talks with the representatives of each Guimaraes and Tonali , but it surely would ‘likely’ take a proposal in excess of £125m – the fee that Liverpool spent on Alexander Isak – to persuade Newcastle to part with either player.
Anderson stays firmly on United’s radar after a stellar 18 months at club and international level. But at this stage, there stays uncertainty over the 23-year-old’s asking price – which might be depending on Nottingham Forest’s fight to stay within the Premier League.
The report adds that Joao Gomes is ‘hoping for a call’ from United, with Wolves looking a certainty to drop down into the Championship with ten games remaining of the top-flight campaign.
United will look to increase their remarkable unbeaten streak under Carrick once they return to motion away to Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Alongside Ange Postecoglou, the United interim head coach has enjoyed the joint-best start after nine matches of any manager in Premier League history.
The newest reports indicate that the ‘majority’ of the first-team squad would now prefer to see the ex-England midfielder given a long-term contract beyond the summer.
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