Manchester United are reportedly prepared to smash the Premier League transfer record to sign one of the biggest names in English football.
Nearly two months after former manager Ruben Amorim was sacked, Manchester United look like a completely different club.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have picked up six wins and a draw from his seven games in charge, putting them firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
Should they ensure a spot in the major European competition, it is widely expected that Carrick would be offered the United job or a permanent basis and given a full season to further develop the team.
But it appears that Carrick's situation could be about to get even better, as a report has claimed that the club are willing to back him and sign one of the best players in Europe this summer.
Michael Carrick is in interim charge of United until the end of the season (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick is in interim charge of United until the end of the season (Image: Getty)
Key to much of Carrick's success at United has been the resurgence in form of veteran midfielder Casemiro, who has started each of the Englishman's matches as manager.
Therefore, it will have no doubt come as a blow to Carrick when the former Real Madrid star confirmed that he will not renew his contract with United so that he can embark on a new chapter after the World Cup.
In order to replace the 34-year-old, Spanish outlet AS has claimed that United would be willing to spend up to £175million this summer, with three Premier League stars the ideal picks.
The report claims that United have picked Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali alongside Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as their dream replacements for Casemiro.
Top of the list is Guimaraes who, despite the fact he is currently dealing with an injury, United believe they can build the foundation for their future around him, with even Casemiro himself has recommending the signing.
Despite their importance to Newcastle discussions surronding contract extensions for Guimaraes and Tonali have stalled, potentially opening the door for a move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile Anderson has reportedly attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs following an impressive campaign with Forest that has put him firmly in contention for a spot in England's World Cup lineup.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are reportedly United's top transfer targets. (Image: JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are reportedly United's top transfer targets. (Image: JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
However, United spending as much as £175m on one player, regardless of who it would be, would certainly be a massive shock, smashing the record of the biggest signing ever made in British football.
Given the club's recent troubles with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) , it appears unlikely that they would spend such a massive amount on just one player.
But, if United are able to pull off a transfer for any of Guimaraes, Tonali or Anderson, it would no doubt be viewed as a massive coup for the club ahead of what could be a vital season for United's future.