Manchester United have cut their short-list of midfield targets to replace Casemiro this summer down to three players.
Confidential can reveal that Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are United’s top contenders to take over from the Brazil star when he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the season.
The club have been linked with a number of central midfielders since it became clear that Casemiro would be moving on, and they are likely to be in the market for another one if Manuel Ugarte departs. United will face competition from their biggest Premier League rivals, notably Manchester City who are thought to be leading the chase for Anderson.
At least, United will keep hold of Kobbie Mainoo who is set to sign a new five-year contract once the fine details of the deal are completed after nearly two years of talks. The 20-year-old has revived his Old Trafford career, starting every game for United since Michael Carrick took over as head coach and reclaiming a place in the England squad.
Although United have an interest in Tonali, it’s understood that they would be unlikely to move for his Newcastle team-mate Bruno Guimaraes. Sources have dismissed speculation that talks are at an advanced stage, and Newcastle are said to be determined to keep the Brazilian.
If United qualify for the Champions League, they will have more money to spend this summer and more to offer new signings. Moving big-earners like Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho off the wage bill will also help.
Sandro Tonali is on United’s summer wishlist as they look for a replacement for the departing Casemiro
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is also on United’s reduced list of midfield targets
Casemiro will leave as a free agent, United hope that Barcelona will take up the £26million option on Rashford’s loan at the Nou Camp, and Sancho is in talks over a permanent return to Borussia Dortmund when his contract runs out in June.
As well as up to two central midfielders, United will also prioritise a left-sided player. A United scout is believed to have watched Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown in their game against Heidenheim last week when Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson was also assessed with a number of Premier League clubs looking at him in recent weeks.
Sesko’s Slovenia surprise
Benjamin Sesko may have withdrawn from Slovenia’s squad due to injury, but this time there has been no tension…