Manchester United need to sell this summer and now it appears that Jose Mourinho is keen to help with this process.
Ineos‘ first summer in charge of the transfers at Manchester United hasn’t exactly gotten off to the quickest of starts, with a limited budget said to be in play.
This has seen United hit stumbling blocks for almost every target thus far, although the targets are seemingly clear.
Therefore, in order to increase the budget, player sales are desired, with several already being looked at such as Mason Greenwood who is the target of a £30m Lazio move.
But he isn’t the only sellable asset United have this summer to use, and now it’s been reported Jose Mourinho is actually interested in two.
Jose Mourinho is interested in signing both Victor Lindelof and Casemiro
We’ve previously reported that Fenerbahce are interested in signing Victor Lindelof in a move to reunite him with Mourinho.
However, Victor Lindelof isn’t the only United player Mourinho desires with Casemiro reportedly also on his shortlist.
According to a report by Turkish outlet Sporx, Fenerbahce’s sporting director Mario Branco is working hard to fulfil Mourinho’s demands and has therefore begun attempts to sign Lindelof who is believed to be on the ‘for sale’ list at Old Trafford.
Official negotiations over this move have begun with Branco also having a second Red Devil on the radar.
This is in the form of Casemiro who United aren’t planning to have in the squad next season. It’s reported that if Fenerbahce can afford a deal for Casemiro, Branco will absolutely be at the table to sign the Brazilian.
Both of these names are players United would likely consider letting go, and it’s all down to the finances now. However, a move for Casemiro could be hindered as Saudi Arabian clubs have been interested and have a far greater transfer budget.
Bayern Munich also showed interest in Casemiro, although that move is off the table.
How can Manchester United replace both Lindelof and Casemiro
This summer is going to need to get started quickly with United needing multiple additions already, a need which will grow upon departures.
In replacing Lindelof, we imagine United will look to sign a less expensive centre-back. Assuming Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro are viewed as replacements for Raphael Varane, possibly United could revisit a move for Trevoh Chalobah or even Aaron Anselmino as a Lindelof replacement.
Midfield is already a priority for United this summer, with Casemiro not capable of starting next to Kobbie Mainoo next season. Already the club have been linked with moves for Everton’s Amadou Onana and Benfica’s Joao Neves along with West Ham’s former Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez.
It’s unclear who is the preferred choice, or which is most attainable right now, but it’s definitely a position which must be strengthened.