Manchester United are now preparing a £50m+ bid for an "unbelievable" star, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford, and they are frontrunners in the race for his signature.
Man Utd's midfield called into question by Scholes
After a very disappointing start to the new campaign, Man United legend Paul Scholes has questioned the decision to deploy Bruno Fernandes in an unfavoured position, saying: "There’s too much indecision in the midfield area, you think of Casemiro. He’s been a brilliant player, but we know his deficiencies, don’t we?"
"Fernandes [and Casemiro], they’re the two he’s [Amorim] going with, and Fernandes for me, he’s someone who fills in as a midfielder, he might get away with it for one, two or three games. He’s not got the discipline to be a central midfield player."
Given that Fernandes has been one of United's best players for quite some time, chipping in with 19 Premier League goal contributions last season, there is a feeling the 30-year-old is being shoehorned into the starting XI.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd (2)
However, despite scraping a 3-2 victory against Burnley, Ruben Amorim's play-style clearly isn't working, meaning the 40-year-old may need to bring in a central midfielder who is better suited to his system in January.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United are now preparing a £50m+ bid for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who is eager to embark on a new challenge at an elite club, meaning he is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
United have identified Wharton as a key target for the January transfer window, having also expressed interest in the summer, but Oliver Glasner blocked an exit, given that Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi were also attracting widespread interest.
The 21-year-old has been identified as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, but there could be competition for his signature, with Chelsea said to be frontrunners alongside the Red Devils.
"Unbelievable" Wharton could be ideal signing for Amorim
Man United need to bring in a midfielder suited to Amorim's style of play, and the Palace star fits the bill in that regard, having flourished under Glasner's 3-4-2-1 system.
Guehi has been left particularly impressed by his teammate's ability in possession, claiming the Englishman is "unbelievable" on the ball last season, but that is far from his only strength, as detailed by former WhoScored contributor Ben McAleer.
The fact Wharton is strong at winning back possession means he could be a solid long-term heir to Casemiro, but the Brazilian may still have plenty left to give, given the level of some of his performances over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90
Tackles 4.14 (99th percentile)
Clearances 2.77 (94th percentile)
Blocks 2.37 (99th percentile)
Aerials won 2.18 (94th percentile)