Manchester United are looking to the future and one of the areas which needs to be resolved is the future of midfielder Casemiro.
Casemiro’s future at Manchester United has been subject of more speculation over the weekend, with The Star reporting Ineos will look to move him on this summer.
It comes amid a claim via Foot Mercato that Cristiano Ronaldo has requested Al-Nassr sign Casemiro for his Saudi Pro League side.
Between now and the end of the season, Casemiro will still have a role to play, and his United future will depend on bids received.
As part of evaluating Casemiro’s future, Manchester United will also be looking at replacements, and one name stands out as a strong candidate.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Exequiel Palacios stars in front of Manchester United scouts
Manchester United had scouts watching Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig at the weekend, HITC Football reports. Among the stars on show were Benjamin Sesko, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah.
But it was midfielder Exequiel Palacios who would have stood out, with the 25-year-old star dominating proceedings in his side’s away victory.
United do have a mixed track record with Bundesliga signings, so there is some reason to be wary, yet the fulcrum of Xabi Alonso’s side is a credible option for United to target as a Casemiro successor.
In the weekend win, Palacios showed his willingness to get on the ball, with 112 touches in total and an 89 per cent passing accuracy rate in a fiercely contested match.
Palacios won nine duels, more than any player on the pitch, also making three interceptions. He created one chance too.
The Argentine excels in a role in a double-pivot midfield, and could be a good partner for new signing Kobbie Mainoo, six years younger than Casemiro.
Now into his third full season at Bayer Leverkusen, Palacios has made 21 appearances this season so far, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Per FBRef data, Palacios ranks inside the top 10 in the Bundesliga this season for tackles won, and interceptions, and second for total touches.
Manchester United are just at a planning phase when it comes to the summer transfer market, and a head of recruitment has yet to be formally appointed by Ineos. But when plans do start to come to fruition and become firmed up, Palacios’ name could well be in the mix.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Who is Exequiel Palacios
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 5/10/1998
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Former clubs: River Plate
- Nationality: Argentine
- Contract: Until June 2028
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/1itEeXy