Man United eye summer move for Nottingham Forest star to replace Casemiro - it's not Elliot Anderson
Man United are looking to replace Casemiro in the summer transfer window, as his contract is set to expire.
Casemiro will hope to end his Man United career on a high, as the Red Devils target a top-four finish to guarantee them a place in the Champions League next season. They are currently fourth after a 1-0 win on Monday night against Everton.
The Brazilian has been excellent for United this season, and many questioned why the Red Devils opted against extending his contract at the club. However, given that he is their highest-paid player and 34 years old, it is a decision that makes more financial sense than anything else.
Man United have been linked to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as a potential replacement for Casemiro, but fresh reports are suggesting they could sign one of Anderson’s teammates instead.
Man United targeting Ibrahim Sangare
It is understood that the Red Devils would like to replace Casemiro with a physical and proven Premier League midfielder, so, with that in mind, it is no surprise that Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare has emerged as a fresh target for United.
According to GiveMeSport, Man United recruiters have been impressed by the 28-year-old this season and believe that they could sign him for a relatively cheap deal. He has a market value of just around £20m, and at 6 foot 3, would provide some much-needed strength and physicality in Michael Carrick’s midfield.
His impressive performances at the City Ground have warranted United’s interest, as they would likely look to sign the Ivory Coast international, alongside a younger option such as Elliot Anderson, in the summer, to help completely revamp their midfield ahead of a hopeful Champions League campaign.
Sangare has made 29 appearances for Forest this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He is mainly a holding midfielder, but can also feature as more of an advanced midfielder, and perhaps very usefully, a centre-back too.
United remain interested in Anderson
The recent interest in Sangare doesn’t mean that the Red Devils remain interested in Anderson, though, as they would like to sign a younger holding midfielder to become their future in the middle of the park, and Sangare certainly isn’t that player.
The big three names that Man United have been linked with are Anderson, Carlos Baleba from Brighton, and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Seeing as Nottingham Forest are at risk of relegation, a deal for Anderson may end up being the most affordable, even though he’s become a major part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
However, it is understood that rivals Man City are interested in Anderson as their long-term replacement for Rodri, so the competition could make it difficult for United to land the 22-year-old in the summer.
Baleba and Wharton are both expected to generate a lot of interest in the summer too, but are both likely to cost at least £70m-£80m, based on their age and very high potential.