Manchester United reportedly identify a key West Ham United player, admired by manager Erik ten Hag, as a potential replacement for Casemiro this summer.
Manchester United have reportedly identified a key West Ham United player as a potential replacement for Casemiro this summer.
The Red Devils are set for another busy summer, now under the control of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has taken charge of football operations at Old Trafford and is expected to oversee several incomings and outgoings in the transfer market.
One name who has been strongly tipped to depart Man United in experienced midfielder Casemiro, who joined the club just two years ago from Real Madrid for around £70m.
Despite enjoying an impressive first season at Old Trafford, Casemiro struggled to show his best form in the 2023-24 campaign in which Man United slumped to their lowest finish in the Premier League era, ending up in eighth place, and also crashed out of the Champions League group stage.
Man United did end the season on a high by winning the FA Cup, but that triumph was without Casemiro, who was left out of the matchday squad and has since been strongly linked with a summer exit.
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Edson Alvarez identified as Casemiro replacement?
A recent report claims that Casemiro has turned down the opportunity to join Bayern Munich this summer, but clubs in Saudi Arabia still hold an interest in the 32-year-old.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man United are ‘almost sure’ that Casemiro will leave the club and have identified West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez as a potential replacement.
Romano claims that the Red Devils are ‘seriously considering’ a move for a new midfielder and Alvarez is one option who has been internally discussed.
Alvarez is said to be ‘appreciated’ by manager Erik ten Hag, who is set to stay at Old Trafford and is in talks over a contract extension.
![West Ham United's Edson Alvarez pictured on April 13, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/edson-alvarez.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "West Ham United's Edson Alvarez pictured on April 13, 2024 [IMAGO]")
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Can Man United pull off Alvarez signing?
Romano claims that it could be ‘difficult’ for Man United to negotiate a deal for Alvarez with West Ham, who consider the 26-year-old a key first-team player.
Alvarez only joined the Hammers last summer from Ajax for a reported £34m and has since become a fans favourite at the London Stadium.
The Mexico international made 42 appearances for West Ham in all competitions last season, including 28 Premier League starts and six more in the Europa League.
New West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is keen to keep hold of as many of his first-team stars as possible including Alvarez, who is under contract at the London Stadium until June 2028.
Alvarez is not the only midfielder on Man United’s radar, as they have also been credited with an interest 19-year-old Joao Neves, who has allegedly rejected a contract offer from current club Benfica.