Casemiro has been made Manchester United's latest priority in this transfer window as talks remain ongoing with Real Madrid.
The Brazilian international, 30, has reportedly made 'positive indications' that he is keen on a switch to Old Trafford with negotiations thought to be heading in the right direction. United have made a deal for the Madrid star their prime focus after failing with a long drawn-out pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, while also failing to agree terms with Juventus ' Adrien Rabiot.
It is claimed United representatives have already held discussions with Madrid chiefs in the Spanish capital as they continue to work on a deal with the transfer deadline fast approaching. Casemiro was pivotal to Madrid's treble win last season but the club have since brought in Aurelian Tchouameni to compete with Eduardo Camavinga for the holding midfield role as they begin to look to the future.
As such, Real Madrid now appear willing to cash-in on Casemiro, with The Athletic reporting that talks with United are 'advancing'. The clubs are yet to agree on a deal though United are tabling a salary and bonus package that would see Casemiro become one of the highest earners at the club.
Casemiro started Madrid's opening La Liga fixture of the season on the bench, with United only ramping up their efforts through a growing belief they can sign him.
United claim Casemiro was among their list of possible targets at the start of the summer before they opted to prioritise a move for De Jong, which now looks unlikely. It has been a frustrating window for new United boss Erik ten Hag, though adding Casemiro to his squad would be a major coup.
The Dutch coach is also said to be eyeing further additions in his squad, with a partiular focus on right-back and goalkeeper areas. United allowed back-up goalkeeper Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan this summer and need cover and competition for no.1 David de Gea.
Who else should United be targeting before the deadline? Have your say in the comments below.
Reports have linked United with Borussia Monchengladbach stopper Yann Sommer, 33, as well as Everton understudy Asmir Begovic, 35. Among the players up for sale include full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who United are reportedly willing to take a huge loss on by sanctioning his departure if they receive a bid of around £10m. The 24-year-old was signed from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £50million.
Meanwhile, United are at the centre of speculation involving their owners, the Glazer family, and the prospect of a potential takeover. Successive defeats in their opening two Premier League matches of the season has led to widespread calls from fans for a change of ownership.
Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns chemicals company Ineos and hails from Manchester, has stated he would be interested in buying the club if it were put up for sale. As things stand it is not clear whether the Glazers are willing to sell United as a whole, though it is understood they would be open to selling at least a minority stake amid mounting pressure from restless supporters.
