Manchester United have identified a Nottingham Forest midfielder as a potential Casemiro replacement ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The midfield will be Manchester United’s priority this summer, with the club expected to sign at least two new players to bolster their options in the centre of the park.
It has been confirmed that Casemiro will leave the club at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, bringing his four-year stay at Old Trafford to an end.
United are currently putting together a shortlist of potential targets to replace the Brazilian. Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is at the top of United’s list, but the Reds are expected to face strong competition from local rivals Manchester City for his signature.
Sandro Tonali is also on United’s radar, but Newcastle will likely demand a fee of around £100 million to part ways with the Italy international. United are also long-term admirers of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, while Adam Wharton is also said to be liked at Old Trafford.
United identify Sangare as potential target
Manchester United have added Ibrahim Sangare to their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.
United scouts have been impressed by Sangare’s dominance in duels and composure under pressure – two assets which Casemiro excels at.
Nottingham Forest will likely demand a fee in the region of £43 million to part ways with the Ivorian midfielder, who was linked to United before he left the Eredivisie.
However, Elliot Anderson is almost certain to depart Forest this summer, which could potentially make Forest reluctant to sell another player in the same position.
Sangare’s contract at Forest runs until June 2028, giving Forest leverage in negotiations over a possible transfer this summer.
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Sangare can’t be the premium midfield signing
Sangare is a player with numerous useful qualities, but if Manchester United are serious about competing at the top of the Premier League table, he cannot be the Casemiro replacement.
Read More: Man Utd’s first summer transfer ‘pretty much agreed’ as club ‘optimistic’ of £70m cash injection
He could be a decent second midfield signing, but United need to sign a top-class midfielder in addition to Sangare. Anderson is the name that stands out most, but that will be a difficult deal to do. Tonali is also an excellent player who would raise United’s technical and physical floor.
Felix Nmecha has also been linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund, with both Manchester clubs said to be monitoring his situation, while Wharton could be set to leave Crystal Palace this summer, but it’s unclear who’s leading the race for him as of now.
Baleba is a quality midfielder whom United pursued last summer and again in January, but his poor form throughout the season is a red flag, suggesting he may not yet be ready for a big move.
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