Manchester United are now leading the race to sign an “unbelievable” £70m player, who is eager to complete a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd eyeing midfielder as Cunha asks Casemiro to stay
Matheus Cunha has revealed he has been trying to get Brazil teammate Casemiro to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the campaign, with the central midfielder currently set to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
Cunha said: “I’m always asking him: ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United. Just one year with me, no! Let’s go for the second little year…’
“We’re very close, he’s always helping me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play with him here and with the national team. I always learn from him and understand more and more how he won so many titles. He’s reached a stage where he can decide where to play, and I hope it’s with us.”
However, the Brazilian is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, which means the Red Devils are now scouring the market for potential replacements, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson among the potential targets.
Man Utd leading race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba
Wharton and Anderson aren’t the only Premier League midfielders on the shortlist, however, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing Man United are now firm frontrunners in the race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
Interestingly, the Seagulls may now be willing to accept an overall package worth around £70m for the central midfielder, despite previously setting an asking price of £100m.
United are looking to seal Baleba’s signature, but they could also set to battle Brighton for the signature of Nordsjaelland star Caleb Yirenkyi, who is regarded as a potential successor to the Cameroonian by Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
The 22-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford, and there are indications he could be an excellent addition to the squad, having been lauded as an “unbelievable” player by agent Hesham Bilal-Hafiz.
The Brighton star is particularly skilled at winning back possession, averaging 1.7 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this season, which is more than any Manchester United player, barring Manuel Ugarte.
Former West Ham United and England defender Matthew Upson is also an admirer of the Cameroon international, singling him out for high praise back in December.
Baleba could be an excellent signing for Man United, but the hope will be that Casemiro changes his stance and commits to a new contract, with the Brazil international averaging a 7.31 match rating in the Premier League, the third-highest in the squad, having scored seven goals.
Man Utd could see £70m bid accepted to sign their dream Casemiro replacement
Manchester United have once again been credited with an interest in one midfield talent.