Manchester United are prioritising bolstering the midfield ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off in August
Dani Ceballos.
Dani Ceballos is now a free agent(Image: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Manchester United could sign a three-time Champions League winner to strengthen their midfield as Dani Ceballos enters the summer as a free agent. The Real Madrid star is no longer part of Jose Mourinho's plans at the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports claiming a "new chapter" is set to begin for the midfielder.
United have made it clear they will prioritise their midfield this summer, given the number of exits on the cards. Casemiro has departed Old Trafford following the end of his contract, with Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount both linked with departures.
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo look to be the basis that Michael Carrick will build upon in the middle of the park. Ederson will join United after the World Cup concludes, with Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni, Martin Baturina and Ayyoub Bouaddi all linked.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
But with many of these targets all costing a pretty penny, the former Arsenal star could be an inexpensive and impressive option for Carrick. For example, Tonali would cost at least £80million and Tchouameni's asking price has risen to a whopping £87m.
Dani Ceballos
Dani Ceballos could be Carrick's next arrival(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
In comparison, Ceballos is available as a free agent and would likely not command the same amount of wages as his former Madrid teammate. Casemiro previously joined United from the Spanish giants, signing a four-year deal worth an initial £60m.
The Brazilian commanded a huge portion of the squad's wages, earning £350,000-a-week during his time at Old Trafford. Getting this huge salary off the books is welcome news for the club, who don't plan to sign a contract as lucrative as this in the near future.
Ceballos recently earned around £4.3m a year at Madrid, which equates to approximately £85,000-a-week for his services. To put this into context, Diogo Dalot currently earns the same amount at United.
Daniel Ceballos of Real Madrid with the trophy during the Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and CA Osasuna played at La Cartuja Stadium on May 6, 2023 in Sevilla, Spain.
Ceballos could be a welcome addition to United(Image: Antonio Pozo/Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The 29-year-old has been extremely successful with Madrid, making 215 appearances and securing 15 major trophies. If United do opt to buy Ceballos, then the rest of the midfield budget can be centred around some of the more expensive targets on the list. £60m-rated Mateus Fernandes from West Ham is on the wishlist, with the player reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford.
World Cup star Martin Baturina is another playmaker Carrick is interested in, with Sky Italia claiming that Aston Villa are also keen on the Croatia international.