The Red Devils are in advanced negotiations to sign Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, reports The Athletic. Los Blancos will receive a basic fee of 60 million euros for the Brazilian, which could rise as high as 70 million if all the conditional clauses are met. The player will sign a four-year contract with the club, which will include the option for a fifth year that can be triggered by the club if they so desire.
The Brazil international will undergo his medical in the coming days before penning down his new contract. According to the report, he will instantly become one of the top earners at the club, his wage in the same bracket as David de Gea but less than that of top-earner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Furthermore, Casemiro’s contract will contain several performance-related clauses, with his final package varying depending upon whether United qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
He joined Real Madrid in 2013 from Sao Paulo and spent the 2014/15 season on loan at FC Porto. Returning to his parent club in 2015, the midfielder nailed down a starting spot and formed a long-lasting partnership with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, which delivered five Champions League titles.
Meanwhile, The Athletic also reports United have had an 80 million euro bid for Brazil international Antony knocked back by AFC Ajax.
Erik ten Hag has, once again, turned to his former side to strengthen his current one – the club signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax earlier and were linked with Jurrien Timber – but the Dutch giants do not intend to part ways with the young attacker just yet.
22-year-old Antony joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020, and became an instant hit in Amsterdam. Given a run in the side by ten Hag, he played 79 games in two years and scored 23 goals.
Manchester United are eyeing Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven as an alternative to Antony, should the deal not progress.
