Manchester United are said to have received transfer advice from their own players as they look to strengthen their midfield
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have reportedly given Manchester United some transfer guidance(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been given transfer suggestions worth £130million from two players who could potentially depart the club this summer.
Casemiro is confirmed to be leaving Old Trafford and may be accompanied by Bruno Fernandes, whose future remains uncertain. Both players have reportedly indicated who United should recruit as their replacements.
Even before Casemiro's departure announcement, midfield was known to be a key priority. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Joao Gomes of Wolves are all believed to feature on United's shortlist.
However, Casemiro has urged United to pursue another Newcastle talent, Bruno Guimaraes, 28, as his successor, according to Spanish publication AS. Securing the Brazilian would present several challenges. Guimaraes, who has two years left on his deal, is immensely popular with Magpies supporters and would command a fee of around £70m.
That said, following a disappointing campaign for Newcastle, which has cast doubt over head coach Eddie Howe's position, he might welcome a new opportunity.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates his team's fourth goal, scored by teammate Harvey Barnes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park.
Bruno Guimaraes has been recommended(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Whether Fernandes requires replacing this summer or next remains unclear. The Portuguese playmaker came close to departing for Saudi Arabia last year before deciding to remain for another campaign.
While United chase Champions League football under interim manager Michael Carrick, it has been yet another turbulent season at Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January. Questions also linger over the club's future direction, with United deliberating whether to appoint Carrick permanently or pursue a more experienced top-tier manager.
Regardless of when Fernandes ultimately departs, he is thought to have a successor in mind. The Sun recently reported that West Ham midfielder and Portugal team-mate Mateus Fernandes is the player he has put forward as his preferred choice to assume the United number 10 role.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United
Mateus Fernandes is on United's radar too(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Bruno was recently on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a dressing room with his namesake. Mateus, 21, came on as a substitute for him to earn his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States. Having joined the Hammers from Southampton for £40m last summer, reports now suggest his value could have risen to closer to £60m.
For now, Bruno will be firmly focused on helping United return to winning ways following Monday's home defeat to Leeds. Carrick's side travel to out-of-form Chelsea on Saturday (8pm kick-off).
Harry Maguire will be absent for the fixture after receiving an additional one-match ban from the Football Association for his reaction to his dismissal at Bournemouth. The 33-year-old was shown a straight red card at the Vitality Stadium last month for a foul on Evanilson in the penalty area, with Junior Kroupi converting the resulting spot-kick as the Cherries secured a 2-2 draw.