Manchester United have identified Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro as a potential alternative to Frenkie de Jong, according to Marca.
The Red Devils have pursued a move for De Jong throughout the summer but have been unable to strike a deal with Barcelona for the Dutch international.
Therefore, United have reportedly turned their attention to Madrid midfielder Casemiro in order to solve their long-term engine room issues.
Manchester United have identified Casemiro as a potential alternative to Frenkie de Jong
Erik ten Hag has earmarked a midfielder as a priority before the window closes next month
Erik ten Hag’s side have come under plenty of criticism for a lack of midfield resolve in their opening two Premier League defeats to Brentford and Brighton.
The Dutchman has identified midfield as a priority area to reinforce this summer, and a swoop for Casemiro would shore up the Red Devils’ long-standing problems.
Casemiro plays alongside United midfielder Fred at international level with Brazil, and has often been credited with affording his team-mate the license to make attacking runs.
The 30-year-old has won five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles in the Spanish capital
The 30-year-old has made over 330 appearances for Real since making the switch to the Bernabeu from Sao Paulo in 2013, playing with United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane in the Spanish capital.
The midfielder has been instrumental to Los Blancos’ success over the last decade, winning three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.
Casemiro signed a new contract at Real last year, which keeps him in Madrid until 2025.
The Red Devils have hit a stumbling block in their negotiations with Barcelona for De Jong
The Brazilian international played alongside United defender Raphael Varane at Real Madrid
And while there have been no firm offers made from United as of yet, it is believed that Real would be open to negotiations.
Los Blancos’ latest recruit, Aurelien Tchouameni, was signed with the view as the long-term successor of Casemiro.
The Brazilian was also a substitute in Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s opening LaLiga game on Sunday – making a seven minute cameo off the bench.
A swoop from the Red Devils for Casemiro would be an impressive coup with Ten Hag keen to add some solidity at the base of his midfield.