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Casemiro | AFP via Getty Images
Man United midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Manchester United face a big dilemma ahead of the summer, as midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford, as his contract expires in June. United opted not to extend his contract, and they are now tasked with finding a replacement.
One player they could go after is Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, amid reports that the Blues could be willing to sell the 21-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man United and West Ham could make a summer move for Santos
Andrey Santos has shown a lot of promise at Chelsea this season. He has become a first-team regular under Liam Rosenior, after spending last season on loan at Strasbourg, under the guidance of the current Chelsea boss.
He has made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists, and it is understood that Man United views him as a potential replacement for Casemiro as we head into the summer.
According to a report by Caught Offside, both Man United and West Ham are interested in signing the Chelsea star in the summer. It is understood that the Blues aren’t actively looking to sell Santos, but they aren’t opposed to it either. They claim that Chelsea would demand around £56m for the 21-year-old if they were to sell him.
Santos plays as a holding midfielder for the Blues alongside Moises Caicedo and behind Enzo Fernandez. He would be a solid acquisition, but more of a player for the future than an immediate impact.
Man United could go after Guimaraes too
Santos isn’t the only Brazilian midfielder who United are looking at in terms of replacing Casemiro, as they have also been linked to Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes in recent weeks, despite claims that he doesn’t want to leave St James’ Park.
However, seeing as Newcastle is now 12th in the Premier League and out of the Champions League, European football looks very unlikely for Newcastle next year, so Guimaraes could demand a move away in search of playing Champions League football, something that Man United should be able to offer him.
It would be a huge coup for United to sign the 28-year-old, seeing as Man City and Arsenal have been linked with him in the past. This season, the Brazilian midfielder has made 35 appearances for Newcastle this season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
He has an estimated market value of £65m, so could be an expensive choice, but he is proven in both the Premier League and Champions League.
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