Manchester United News: Contract agreement with Casemiro as Tonali transfer ‘approved’ | Soccer | Sports

Manchester United have identified three candidates to replace veteran Casemiro, who left this summer. The Red Devils have reportedly cooled their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleva, instead focusing on Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali as priority targets to strengthen their engine room for next season.

Newcastle midfielder Tonali has emerged as a top target after receiving the green light from captain Bruno Fernandes. Newcastle are preparing to make a formal approach and could demand up to £100m for the Italian, who club legend Paul Scholes describes as a better option than Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

United could include Marcus Rashford in a part-exchange deal to reduce Barcelona’s £78m asking price for left-back Alejandro Balde. Rashford impressed during his loan spell at Camp Nou and using him as a make-weight in an exciting summer deal could help Michael Carrick’s side secure a long-term solution on the defensive left.

United are planning a surprise move for Arsenal’s versatile youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as their summer plans take shape. With Lewis Skelly falling down the pecking order in north London, the Red Devils are keen to lure the 19-year-old to Old Trafford as competition for the injury-prone Luke Shaw.

Casemiro, who spent four years at the club, will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in June this year. The club have agreed to remove a clause from the Brazilian’s contract that would have given him a one-year extension if he started 35 games this season.

Manager Michael Carrick is overseeing a major overhaul of the squad as the club moves closer to qualifying for the Champions League. By signing high earners such as Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, the club aims to maintain a top-five spot in the Premier League and acquire elite young talent to compete in Europe.