Man Utd ‘leader’ has convinced INEOS to sign his €65m compatriot – Initial contacts made | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly heeded Casemiro’s advice by opening a dialogue for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

The Premier League giants are plotting a midfield overhaul next summer, with at least two new players expected to arrive in this department.

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The Red Devils are already operating with a thin midfield this season, and Casemiro has already announced his departure in June, which will widen the hole in the middle of the park.

Man Utd register their interest in Bruno Guimaraes

Interestingly, Casemiro had reportedly named his own successor, urging Man Utd to sign his fellow countryman, Bruno Guimaraes.

The latter is also a big fan of the Real Madrid legend. Guimaraes hailed Casemiro as a ‘complete’ player as well as a ‘leader’ earlier this season.

The 28-year-old has been a stalwart at Newcastle since making the move from Lyon in the summer of 2022.

Therefore, Caught Offside understands that the Magpies are determined to keep the Brazilian at St. James’ Park for as long as possible. However, this won’t be an easy task amidst the growing interest in his services.

The source identifies Man Utd as Guimaraes’ most keen admirer, revealing that INEOS have already made ‘informal’ contact with the player’s entourage to enquire about his availability.

Transfermarkt estimates the player’s current market value at €75 million (circa £65m), but the report reveals that United are willing to allocate up to £80 million to recruit the Brazil international.

Why Man Utd should seriously consider Guimaraes

At this stage, it is very difficult to predict which midfielders Man Utd will end up signing, as the shortlist is growing longer by the day.

Elliot Anderson has been identified as the No.1 target, while the Reds’ admiration for Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba is well-documented.

Moreover, recent reports claimed that United have joined the fray for Guimaraes’ Newcastle teammate, Sandro Tonali.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian has the edge in terms of experience over all other aforementioned targets. This could be an important factor to consider, given Casemiro’s departure and the lack of a commanding figure in the middle of the park who can complement the young Kobbie Mainoo.

Therefore, Guimaraes is certainly an interesting profile, even if his hefty valuation could complicate Jason Wilcox’s mission.