As Casemiro prepares for his final eight matches as a Manchester United player, the Brazilian has reportedly told the club who to replace him with
Manchester United have received backing from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes to pursue Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Andre, according to reports. The Wolves star has been a rare highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Midlands outfit.
His stock rose when he struck the decisive goal in a stunning triumph over Liverpool and has shone at the centre of Rob Edwards' side's engine room. United will be searching for two central midfielders come summer, with Casemiro confirming his departure from Old Trafford at the campaign's conclusion.
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, England and Crystal Palace standout Adam Wharton and Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba have all been connected to Old Trafford, while Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is also thought to be under consideration. However, Fernandes and Casemiro reportedly regard Andre as a potential ideal successor.
According to The Sun, Casemiro has apparently personally selected Andre to fill his position at Old Trafford. Fernandes is also understood to be a fan of the South American, who arrived at Wolves from Brazilian outfit Fluminese for £21m last summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A £35m transfer package might prove sufficient to persuade Wolves, who appear destined for relegation, to relinquish the box-to-box midfielder. Given Guimaraes, Wharton and Baleba are all priced between £60m and £70m, Andre would represent a more economical option.
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He will undoubtedly be pressing his case with the five-time World Champions ahead of this summer's World Cup. Andre possesses 13 international caps for Brazil, though he wasn't selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's forthcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
One significant obstacle for United might be reported interest in Andre from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, with United presently third in the Premier League, it's probable the Reds can provide Champions League football to the midfielder.
United appear poised to restructure their midfield during the summer. When Casemiro departs, only Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte will remain as United's natural holding midfielders.
It's understood the Reds will pursue two midfielders in this summer's transfer window. Last year, United strengthened their attack by acquiring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in a substantial £200m summer spending spree.
Following a sluggish beginning, all three players have adapted at Old Trafford and have been delivering the goals, especially under Michael Carrick's management. Recently, Reuters reported United were in advanced negotiations to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle.
It was additionally suggested he might be available for approximately £69m, which is marginally lower than Wharton and Baleba's reported transfer valuations.
With eight league fixtures remaining, Carrick has lifted United up to third in the table. With the Premier League also leading the UEFA co-efficient rankings, fifth place appears set to be sufficient to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.
Potlorst
7
Andre is a good player but casmiro should stay on more season