Manchester United are currently at the front of the race for an “incredible” £70m player who is keen to make a permanent move to Old Trafford.
Cunha asks Casemiro to stay, Manchester United eyeing midfielder
Matheus Cunha has revealed he is lobbying Brazil team-mate Casemiro to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season, with the central midfielder currently set to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
Cunha said: “I always ask him: ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United. Just one year with me, no! Let’s go for the second little year…’
“We get along very well and he always helps me. It’s incredibly rewarding to play with him here and in the national team. I’m always learning from him and understanding more and more how he won so many titles. He’s reached a stage where he can decide where he wants to play, and I hope it’s with us.”
However, the Brazilian has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, meaning the Red Devils will now be scouring the market for potential replacements, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson.
Manchester United lead race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleva
But Wharton and Anderson are not the only Premier League midfielders on the shortlist, with Man United now firmly favorites in the race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleva, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
Interestingly, the Seagulls may be willing to accept a package worth around £70m in total for the central midfielder, despite having previously set an asking price of £100m.
United are targeting Baleva but could end up competing with Brighton for the signature of Nordsjöll star Caleb Ilenki, who Fabian Hürzeler’s side are eyeing as a potential successor to the Cameroonian.
The 22-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford and has been hailed as an “incredible” player by his agent Hesham Bilal Hafiz, with indications that he could be a great addition to the squad.
The Brighton star is particularly adept at winning back possession, averaging 1.7 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this season, more than any other Manchester United player apart from Manuel Ugarte.
Former West Ham United and England defender Matthew Upson is also a fan of the Cameroonian, naming him highly in December.
Baleva could be a great signing for Man United, but the hope is that Casemiro will change his tune and commit to a new deal. The Brazilian international has an average match rating of 7.31 in the Premier League and has scored seven goals, the third highest in the team.
Man United’s £70m bid could be accepted for dream Casemiro replacement
Manchester United are believed to be interested in the midfield talent once again.
