Saudi clubs ready offers after Man United make Casemiro decision
Casemiro’s future at Man United has been up in the air for over a year amid ongoing speculation about his place in Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a turnaround in results recently, after Man United beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford to claim a third consecutive Premier League win.
As a result, Amorim has eased tensions over his position while Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been proved right in his decision to stand by the boss amid calls for his head.
However, despite the renewed clarity over the manager’s future, there remains uncertainty surrounding multiple big-name players at United including Casemiro.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Man United want to extend Casemiro’s contract, despite it having been “unthinkable” this time last year.
Man United race Saudi Pro League sides to agree Casemiro deal
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Man United will not trigger Casemiro’s contract extension, but could offer him a new deal on reduced wages.
However, they will be in direct competition with Saudi Pro League sides, who have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s situation at Old Trafford.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the midfielder will have to choose between United and Saudi Arabia.
“If United offer him a new deal, it’ll have to be on less money,” he told Football Insider.
“The problem with that is, he’ll have offers on the table from Saudi Arabia with far more money than United will be willing to pay him.
“I think at this stage of his career, he will want to maximise his earning powers, and obviously the best way to do that would be by making a move.
“When he’s playing well and the game suits him, he’s still a very, very good player.
“But when he’s got to play his role in getting tight to people and tracking them over the pitch, if the game is more open, his fallibilities show through.
“So United might look at that and consider whether it would be worth keeping him around.
“I expect he’ll be offered a new deal because he’s still a good player, but whether he wants to take a pay cut rather than moving to Saudi, I’m not so sure.”
Football Insider revealed on 19 October that Casemiro is braced for offers from Saudi Arabia as they continue to plot moves to lure him away from Man United.
Man United make new midfielder transfer plan
Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder and it has become a priority for when the window opens.
The current duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro has done the job so far, but there is a feeling that a new profile is needed to strengthen in the middle of the park.
The likes of Morten Hjulmand, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are high on their list, with a number of options being considered.
Brown told Football Insider on 14 October that Anderson is Man United’s top target to strengthen in midfield as they continue to keep tabs on his progress.
Sean Dyche is extremely reluctant to lose Anderson, but United see him as the perfect fit for Amorim’s system with all the attributes they need.
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