Manchester United pursue marquee midfielder after £50m Andrey Santos deal
Manchester United remain in the market for a high-profile midfielder to replace Casemiro following their £50m acquisition of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Manager Michael Carrick is preparing for his first summer transfer window by securing the promising 22-year-old Brazilian.
The £50m package takes the Stamford Bridge talent to Old Trafford after he struggled for regular minutes behind Moises Caicedo in west London.
However, the club hierarchy do not view the youngster as a direct heir to the recently departed Casemiro.
Search for a senior replacement continues
The veteran enforcer has left the club following the expiration of his contract, creating a significant void in the middle of the pitch.
Reports suggest the 20-time English champions are still looking to sign at least two more central players before the upcoming campaign begins.
A £34m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson has been agreed since May, though concerns over a requested second medical have cast doubt on that transfer.
Several high-profile alternatives have already eluded the INEOS recruitment team during a frustrating market for holding midfielders.
Missed targets and World Cup options
Arch-rivals Manchester City secured Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for £116m, while Mateus Fernandes completed an £85m switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has opted to sign a contract extension in Spain, further reducing the pool of elite options.
Brighton’s valuation of Carlos Baleba continues to deter an approach, despite the Cameroonian expressing a strong desire to make the move.
Attention has now turned to AS Roma’s Manu Kone following his impressive performances on the international stage at the World Cup.
Representatives for the French international have reportedly held preliminary talks regarding a permanent switch to Manchester.
The successful candidate is expected to partner academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room next season.