Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd going full bore for Casemiro with three traits wooing Ten Hag, as Ornstein reveals what Real Madrid coup means for De Jong

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro

Manchester United have made Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro their No 1 midfield target, and negotiations are progressing well despite one myth being dispelled.

With less than a fortnight to go until the September 1 deadline, time is fast running out for Man Utd to put down a marker. However, today’s Transfer Gossip revealed no fewer than five arrivals are on the agenda and detailed which positions are poised to be addressed.

Central midfield is one with two new additions in the works. Frenkie de Jong has been the name on everyone’s lips for much of the summer, though that has now changed.

The Athletic report United have made signing 30-year-old Brazilian Casemiro their ‘key focus’.

It’s claimed the Real superstar has given positive signals to United, prompting them to quickly ramp up their chase.

No agreement on either a fee or personal terms are in place, though it’s twice claimed talks are progressing well.

Chelsea are also known to be an admirer, though it appears Manchester United have stolen a march.

Reports from the Spanish press recently claimed United could double Casemiro’s wages if he signed. David Ornstein dispelled that myth in his piece, though did acknowledge United will offer extremely lucrative terms.

Indeed, the package they’re constructing will reportedly put Casemiro among United’s top earners. For reference, Jadon Sancho, David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo all pocket £350,000-a-week or above.

Three traits reel Man Utd in

Explaining why Man Utd are moving so strongly for Casemiro, it’s claimed they are attracted to his professionalism, character and obviously, his world class abilities in the engine room.

In further positive news, Casemiro is deemed receptive to the challenge of a playing in the Premier League. Clearly, he will not be a shrinking violet if signed.

The Telegraph recently reported Real Madrid will not stand in the Brazilian’s way if two things happen. Firstly, they want a suitable offer, and secondly, they want Casemiro to tell them personally he wants to go.

If both of those conditions are met, Casemiro could be at Old Trafford before the deadline slams shut.

What does Casemiro mean for Frenkie de Jong?

The ideal scenario would see United land both Casemiro and De Jong. However, according to Ornstein, it’ll likely be a case of one or the other.

He described the chances of United signing both as ‘improbable’. What’s more, it’s claimed their Casemiro pursuit has only ramped up due to their De Jong interest cooling.

United had a bid worth around £72m for De Jong accepted earlier this summer.

However, the player would not agree personal terms, instead doing all he could to remain in Spain.

Ornstein did not close the door entirely on De Jong moving to Manchester. Indeed, if the Casemiro move falls through, the Dutchman’s deal could be reignited.

But for now at least, it’s a case of one or the other and United are going full bore the Casemiro.

Surprise Fred implications

One might expect Fred to be the fall guy if his fellow countryman were to arrive. However, the Athletic have a surprising update on that front too.

Fred and Casemiro often play in the same eleven at international level, though it’s Casemiro who plays deepest.

His presence frees up Fred to operate in a more attacking, box-to-box role, something the Athletic state could be replicated by Ten Hag.