MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on the big-money signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, the PA news agency understands.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been looking to reinforce their midfield all summer and a deal worth an initial €60 million (£50.7m) is close for the Brazil international.
The fee for Casemiro could rise to €70m (£59.2m) if clauses are met, with a four-year deal plus the option of a further season on the table.
Talk of a medical on Friday appears premature, which means he would not be registered in time for Monday’s clash with rivals Liverpool.
United sit bottom of the Premier League after their 2-1 home defeat to Brighton was compounded by last weekend’s 4-0 humbling at Brentford.
The Old Trafford giants have been working frantically to bolster Ten Hag’s squad, having so far only managed to bring in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.
Casemiro – a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane in Spain – is a five-time Champions League winner with Madrid, who he joined from Sao Paulo in his homeland in 2013.
More irons are in the fire as United look to kickstart their ailing campaign at a time of intense pressure on the Glazer family.
Protests are planned against the owners before and during Monday’s clash with Liverpool and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly declared his interest in buying the club.
“O’Dowd also scored the only goal in Ireland’s 3-1 Uefa championship qualifying round loss to Andorra.” Sweet Jesus we didn’t loose to Andorra!
No, but we did lose to them.
I grew up listening to the songs his Granda Brendan sang. Brendan sang all the Percy French songs like the west Clare Railway and Gortnamona.
His grandfather was considered the best interpreter of the Percy French songbook. Cue the gang in France singing “Are you right there, Michael?” if he scores.
What about jack Byrne. Why doesn’t he get his chance in the warm up game. I’m sure he’ll be a future star for Ireland and the experience alone would benefit him going to the euros anyone agree??
Who would Byrne replace tho? This kid who got called up is a winger which we lack.. In central midfield we have a few who have there places nailed down.. I don’t know how good Byrne is to be honest is he better than the guys we have?
Probably replace Hoolahan?
I’m not saying he should be in instead of dis young fella fair play ta him getting called up great for him and his family. Jack byrne is a smashing footballer good to have as cover if hoolahan gets injured cause theres no more creativity in the squad
Martinez just sacked!
This is a story about a young lads exciting opportunity. Martinez getting sacked can wait for 5 minutes until that story appears. Well done to O Dowda. Hope he proves himself.