Manchester United is reportedly close to signing Casemiro from Real Madrid, with the Brazilian international set to move to Old Trafford in a £60 million deal. The player’s medical is allegedly scheduled, with the Red Devils hoping he’ll be fit to play against Liverpool on Monday. The club also wants three other players to go through the same process before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Manchester United has spent the majority of the summer attempting to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with Erik ten Hag hoping for a reunion with his former Ajax student.
However, with the Netherlands international unwilling to move to Old Trafford, Casemiro appears to be on his way.
United despatched a delegation to Spain earlier this week to talk with Real Madrid, and a £60 million agreement has finally been reached between the two footballing titans.
Casemiro is set to travel to Manchester for a medical, with the 30-year-old looking forward to a new challenge in the Premier League, even if it means foregoing Champions League action for a year.
And he’s not the only player United wants to see go through medicals before the transfer market closes at the end of the month.
The Red Devils want Casemiro’s medical to be just the beginning of their search for a new backup goalkeeper, right-back, and striker.
At United, things are changing quickly. They appeared to be operating on a tight budget for the majority of the summer.
However, with speculation abounding that the Glazers’ resolve to keep the fallen Premier League heavyweights is about to be tested, it appears the Americans are finally willing to spend some money.
United doesn’t want to spend too much money on a backup goalkeeper to compete with David De Gea, especially because Dean Henderson merely left the club on loan earlier in the window.
Leeds’ Illan Meslier has been mentioned, but Leicester is also keen after losing club legend Kasper Schmeichel to Nice.
Sergio Romero would want to return to Manchester United for a second time, but there’s no guarantee the Argentina international will get his wish.
Everton’s Asmir Begovic is a third possibility for United, having previously played in the Premier League for Chelsea and Stoke.
As they look for a right-back improvement, the Red Devils are willing to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams go.
Wan-Bissaka might join Crystal Palace, while Williams’ departure could be a loan deal with permanent suitors in short supply at the moment.
Thomas Meunier, who has long played at the highest level, is one possible choice. Borussia Dortmund is also thought to be interested in selling.
United is also rumored to be interested in Barcelona star Sergio Dest, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.
United also wants to schedule a physical for a new forward before the transfer window closes at the beginning of next month.
A large bid for Antony was knocked down on Thursday, with Ajax keen not to lose yet another major player this summer.
As a result, they may now pursue Cody Gakpo, despite the fact that PSV Eindhoven would be devastated to lose their prized asset.
United have also been linked with a shock move for Jamie Vardy, although it’s believed the England international would want to stay at Leicester instead during talks over a new contract.
For the time being, the club’s priority is to complete Casemiro’s medical as soon as feasible.
And he’ll be their fourth summer signing, following Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Stoke City striker Charlie Adam recently blasted United’s board for failing to give Ten Hag enough support.
“Ten Hag has only two weeks to straighten it all out because only one person will lose their job, and that’s not the players,” he told Betfred.
“He has a difficult decision to make; if he wants to get away of Ronaldo, the club must provide him with a solution.”
“I don’t believe Ronaldo is the sole problem; there’s more to it.”
“Ten Hag has not been supported in the same way that Manchester United should support their manager.”
“They should have spent £200-300 million this window cleaning house and getting ready to compete.” They have not done so.”
