Manchester United have drawn up a three-man shortlist as potential replacements for Casemiro, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. Transfers.
Last summer the Red Devils failed to strengthen the midfield. Instead, they prioritized strengthening the attack, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha joining as part of an attacking revamp.
The club’s need for a midfielder grew as the season progressed, as Manu Ugarte struggled to find form in the early stages, while Kobbie Mainoo struggled for minutes under former manager Ruben Amorim.
That urgency has even increased with Brazil international Casemiro reportedly indicating he wants to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
As a result, the club is now looking at various options, with Fichajes reporting that Anderson, Wharton and Baleba have been identified as possible replacements for the 33-year-old.
For Anderson, his qualities and ability to operate in a box-to-box role are seen by the Red Devils as a market opportunity, with the midfielder open to taking the next step in his career, the report said.
Shortlist
United are also eyeing a move for former Blackburn Rovers star Wharton, valued at £52m Transfer marketas Transfers claims that his profile fits the midfielder the club is looking for, and that his valuation could skyrocket due to strong interest from several top clubs.
The report adds that Baleba is seen as the best fit for a similar replacement for Casemiro due to his physicality and ball recovery ability, while he also plays as a perfect midfield pivot alongside Mainoo, allowing the Englishman to move freely.
The Premier League trio all have significant valuations, and their respective clubs will be keen to maintain them. Forest, for example, who dramatically rejected a pre-agreed deal between Tottenham Hotspur and captain Morgan Gibbs-White last summer, will certainly be keen to keep Anderson unless a significant offer comes in well above his £52m. Transfer market appreciation is made.
Brighton, on the other hand, are said to have rejected United’s offers for Baleba last summer. Yet there is growing belief that the Cameroonian’s departure from Sussex is inevitable, especially with just two years left on his contract.
The midfield trio is valued at £52 million Transfer market and possesses unique qualities both on and off the ball, so it will be interesting to see who United prioritize.
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