Manchester United are now willing to trigger the £8m release clause required to sign a “fantastic” Casemiro replacement, according to a report.

Casemiro's future at Man Utd

Widespread recent reports have suggested that Casemiro wants to stay at Man United, following talks with new Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, which could be viewed as a positive, given that the 33-year-old ended the season very well.

The 33-year-old made it clear he was proud of the way he was able to force his way back into the starting XI, saying: “Of course, you want to win titles, but one of the most successful seasons of my career, without a doubt, was this one. For turning things around, with hard work and dedication.”

However, there have been suggestions that the former Real Madrid man is not the player he once was, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher famously claiming the midfielder should call it a day at the top level and move to the MLS or Saudi Arabia.

According to a report from Spain, United are now looking at replacements for Casemiro, given that the Brazilian is past his best, and they are willing to trigger the £8m release clause in Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City contract.

The Red Devils don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to sign Ndidi for such a low fee, having tracked the midfielder for quite some time, and the fact he is experienced in the Premier League means it shouldn’t take too long to adapt to life at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old is viewed as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, but there is also a possibility the two midfielders are used interchangeably next season, should the Brazil international remain at the club.

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ByBrett Worthington Ndidi could be "fantastic" Casemiro replacement

Should Casemiro decide he wants to stay at Old Trafford, it will be difficult to get him off the books, given that the central midfielder remains under contract for another year, and his £350k-a-week wages could be prohibitive for potential suitors.

However, there are signs that Ndidi could be a solid replacement for the maestro on a long-term basis, having performed very well across some key defensive metrics over the past year, despite Leicester’s relegation from the top flight.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.29 (95th percentile)

Blocks

1.82 (93rd percentile)

Clearances

3.10 (97th percentile)

Aerials won

2.36 (96th percentile)

Not only that, but the Nigerian has been lauded as “fantastic” by members of the media, and he is vastly experienced at Premier League level, having made 220 appearances in the competition.

At just £8m, Ndidi could be a bargain addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad, but it doesn’t look like Casemiro will be on the move in the near future.