Man Utd star 'increasingly likely' to sign 'reduced wages' deal as club 'prepare' to replace castaway forward
A round-up of some of the latest Manchester United transfer stories this weekend
Manchester United return to Premier League action following the international break, with one eye already looking at the January transfer window and its potential outcomes.
The Red Devils finalised some significant deals over the summer but there are still further incomings, outgoings and potential new contract situations to oversee once the new year rolls in.
We’ve rounded up some of the latest United stories and rumours as they prepare to take on rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Casemiro ‘increasingly likely’ to sign new Man United contract
After a turbulent period involving multiple exit rumours and reports that the club were willing to listen to offers for all and any players, United could now offer Casemiro a new deal to keep him at Old Trafford in a stunning ‘turnaround’.
According to Football Insider, despite previously being heavily linked with an exit, the Brazilian is now ‘increasingly likely’ to agree new terms with the club and extend his stay. Casemiro’s current contract is due to expire next summer but United have an option to extend it.
However, the money he earns has become something of a problem at the club, and a new deal would involve putting him on ‘reduced wages’, as the Red Devils look to work on minimising their outgoings.
“I think if they were to give him a new contract, does seem it would be on reduced wages because he is among the highest earners at Man United,” FI’s Pete O’Rourke said.
“Casemiro, he’s in a strong position here. If he doesn’t agree a new contract at United or he doesn’t feel the terms on offer are good enough, he won’t be short of offers.
“There’s a real possibility that they could give him a new contract to keep him at the club. Probably six to 12 months ago it was unthinkable.”
Man United ‘prepared’ to replace Joshua Zirkzee in January transfer window
Joshua Zirkzee has slipped significantly down the pecking order at United since their haul of new signings over the summer. The 24-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, all from the bench.
As he has fallen out of favour under Amorim, United are ‘prepared’ to explore the idea of signing a replacement for him in the new year. According to TEAMtalk, his future is being discussed and without a regular role in the team, Zirkzee is ‘weighing up his options’ ahead of the January window.
United are currently open to both permanent and loan moves for the Dutch forward but as things stand, the latter seems like the most likely option. If they do complete any sort of deal for Zirkzee, United will reportedly want to bring in a recruit in order to add to their attacking depth.
It was reported earlier this week that Amorim’s side were ‘ready to relaunch’ an offer for Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who is apparently ready to move on from Crystal Palace.