Marc Casado: Man United’s interest forces response from Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are preparing a new contract to ward off interest in Marc Casado as Manchester United eye a bombshell move for the 22-year-old midfielder, according to the latest report from Spain.

Midfield Maestro

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a replacement for Casemiro, with the Brazilian behemoth set to leave Old Trafford after the club decided against renewing his expensive contract.

Kobbie Mainoo has been reborn under caretaker coach Michael Carrick, who took the reins from Ruben Amorim after INEOS brought an end to Amorim’s tumultuous tenure last month.

In a long line of perplexing decisions by the former Sporting Clube de Portugal manager, his aversion to Mainoo was perhaps the most baffling. Carrick has immediately corrected this error, while also restoring Bruno Fernandes to his rightful position as a No.10.

However, the dismal form of Manuel Ugarte leaves the double pivot in midfield as the weakest area of the pitch for United, with a growing belief the Uruguay international will be shown the exit door alongside Casemiro this summer.

The club’s primary targets are Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. All three players are expected to cost up to £100 million, however, with the exorbitant Premier League tax rearing its ugly head.

As such, United are also considering ‘cheaper’ midfielders on the continent – with Casado emerging as a highly rated option at the Theatre of Dreams.

A report relayed by The Peoples Person reveals the Spain international is seen as a “crucial opportunity” to strengthen a stalling engine room, given Barcelona’s financial difficulties could facilitate a cut-price deal.

Barcelona open talks

The Spanish giants are intent on keeping Casado at the Camp Nou, however, and have begun steps to ensure his long-term future remains in Catalonia.

In response to the growing interest in their academy graduate, with Atletico Madrid also in the hunt, Barcelona are ready to open talks over a new long-term deal, according to Diario Sport.

Casado’s current contract expires in 2028 and contains a release clause worth €100 million – but the Blaugrana will “intensify” negotiations in the coming weeks to extend this after “initial contact” between both parties.

The Spaniard is understood to be fully committed to the current campaign. He is expected to wait until the summer before making a final decision on his long-term future, giving United a chance to convince him his future lies in Manchester.

Final Thoughts

This is a rapidly evolving situation which will be one to keep a close eye on as July 1st approaches and the Red Devils solidify their succession plan for Casemiro.

Casado’s profile – an all-action midfield dynamo, combining outstanding work rate off the ball with quality on it – is a sensible one for United.

It will simply come down to whether a cut-price deal can be struck for the midfield enforcer due to uncertainty at Camp Nou, and the prospect of more first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.

Featured image Pedro Salado via Getty Images

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