Man Utd ‘plot transfer’ for £65m Casemiro replacement who snubbed Liverpool | Football | Sport

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is high on Manchester United‘s list of targets to succeed Casemiro, according to new reports. It has been widely suggested that United’s main objective this summer is to overhaul their midfield. One player they will need to replace is Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who will depart the club at the end of his contract in the summer.

And the Telegraph claim that France international Tchouameni is being considered as a successor to Casemiro. The midfielder’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu could hinge on whether Ballon d’Or Rodri exits Manchester City this summer. Rodri, whose deal concludes at the end of next season, cast doubt over his City prospects last month when he stated: “You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” after being questioned about the possibility of joining Real Madrid.

But subsequently, Pep Guardiola has insisted that the Spain international will sign a new contract with City, though he also wouldn’t block the midfielder’s path if the La Liga heavyweights came knocking. Liverpool‘s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez have also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Tchouameni, rated at £65million by Transfermarkt, is tied down in Madrid until 2028. But claims from Spain in recent weeks have suggested that Los Blancos are also prepared to entertain bids for his club and international team-mate, Eduardo Camavinga, as an alternative means to generate funds.

The 26-year-old, who has secured the Champions League and La Liga during his four years at Madrid, recently spoke candidly about his difficulties at the Bernabeu over the past couple of seasons. He said: “I was made a scapegoat. In the first 10-20 minutes, the stadium was booing every time I touched the ball.

“That situation either destroys you, or you think, ‘That’s just how it is,’ let’s see what I can control, and the only thing I can control is my performance. The level of pressure at Real Madrid is something different. People are going to talk about everything you do, whether it’s good or bad.”

Tchouameni opted against joining Liverpool in 2022 when he moved to La Liga instead. Signed for £68million plus add-ons, he explained at the time: “As soon as Real Madrid arrived on the scene, I did not hesitate. I want to leave a mark on football and the best club for this is Real Madrid. It’s the best decision for me.”

The Telegraph add that United are eyeing to sign at least two midfielders this summer, and could potentially pursue a third should Manuel Ugarte depart. Both City and United are keeping tabs on Elliot Anderson’s development ahead of a potential summer swoop for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.

Since arriving at Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, Anderson has cemented himself as one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League. City want him as a replacement for Bernardo Silva, who like Casemiro at United, will leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be pursuing Anderson this summer, though a straight fight between City and United is widely expected.

However, as recently revealed, Guardiola’s side are understood to be firmly at the head of the queue to secure Anderson. The 23-year-old is expected to depart the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest manage to avoid the drop, and is a likely starter for Thomas Tuchel’s England at the World Cup.

Adam Wharton has also been linked with a switch to United following his impressive displays for Crystal Palace. The England midfielder is also a target for their bitter rivals Liverpool and is seen as very similar to Kobbie Mainoo. Newcastle‘s Sandro Tonali is also admired by United’s recruitment staff.