Atletico Madrid are reportedly threatening to rival Manchester United's attempts to sign Barcelona's Marc Casado having received funds from Conor Gallagher's move to Spurs
Marc Casado celebrates a Barcelona goal
Marc Casado celebrates a Barcelona goal(Image: )
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Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to challenge Manchester United in their bid to sign Barcelona's young talent, Marc Casado. Diego Simeone's team is believed to be seeking midfield reinforcements following the transfer of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur.
The north London club secured the services of the England and former Chelsea star for £35million earlier this month. However, reports from Spain suggest that Atletico's recent influx of funds could lead them to compete with United for Casado within La Liga.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Atletico are keen to renew their interest in the 22-year-old, having kept an eye on the Spanish midfielder last summer. Casado's future at Camp Nou is uncertain after he struggled to secure regular playing time under Hansi Flick, making only a series of brief appearances in his 19 games so far.
His frustration has grown, with his most recent league appearance being a mere 11-minute stint during the 2-0 victory over Villarreal.
The Spanish publication claims that while Casado would prefer to play football abroad if he were to leave, he wouldn't turn down a move to join Simeone's squad.
United are therefore being encouraged to move swiftly to secure his signature before the transfer window closes on February 2, with claims that they have 'initiated contact' made.
The midfield could be the next area requiring reinforcement at Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte's long-term prospects unclear and Casemiro expected to depart when his contract expires in the summer.
Kobbie Mainoo has been the subject of transfer speculation after receiving limited opportunities under previous manager Ruben Amorim.
Nevertheless, the England midfielder was handed his first league start of the campaign in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Manchester City, marking a successful beginning to Michael Carrick's caretaker spell.
Marc Casado
Marc Casado could move to Man United(Image: )
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Elsewhere, Hansi Flick has delivered a firm message to both his current squad and emerging talents from the renowned La Masia academy.
The German manager's remarks follow the impending controversial departure of Dro Fernandez, with reigning French champions and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain frontrunners to land the 18-year-old.
He said: "If you want to play for Barca, you have to give everything...100 per cent. That's what I want to say to everyone who is with us now or could be with us in the future. Same applies for La Masia youngsters training with the first team.
"They have to be here 100 per cent. These colours must be defended, that's what I want to see. As for the rest, I don't want them."