Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick
Manchester United have reportedly enquired about Barcelona midfielder Marc Cassado, a Wolverhampton Wanderers target. The development assumes significance after the announcement that Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season.
Cassado, 22, has come up through the ranks at the Camp Nou and has made 19 appearances across competitions this season, contributing an assist. That goal contribution has come in 13 outings in La Liga, where Hansi Flick's side are atop the standings, one point ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid after 20 games.
Contracted to the Camp Nou till 2028, Cassado has attracted interest from United as well as Wolves, as per Mundo Deportivo (via ESPN). As the winter transfer window draws to a close, the Red Devils have also been linked with other midfield targets like Sunderland's Noah Sadiki (courtesy The Sun) and AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek (talkSPORT).
On Thursday, the Red Devils announced that Casemiro - who has been at Old Trafford since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 - won't stay beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
“I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life," said Casemiro.
"From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club. It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months."
The Brazil international has scored 21 times in nearly 150 appearances across comeptitions.
What's next for Manchester United and Barcelona?
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona and Manchester United have had contrasting seasons. While the Blaugrana are leading the La Liga standngs and look well placed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockouts, the Red Devils are only alive in the Premier League, having been knocked out of both domestic cups.
Hansi Flick's Barca are coming off a 4-2 midweek Champions League win at Slavia Praha to improve to ninth in the 36-team standings. They next take on Oviedo at home in La Liga on Sunday (January 25) before completing their Champions League league phase engagements with a home game with FC Copenhagen three days later.
Meanwhile, Manchester United recovered from a 2-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in their FA Cup opener with a 2-0 home win over cross-town rivals Manchester City in the Premier League at the weekend. Michael Carrick's side next travel to leaders Arsenal in the league on Sunday.