Manchester United 'identify number one target to replace Casemiro'

Manchester United are reportedly firmly in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich during this summer's transfer window.

The Germany international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, as his contract at Allianz Arena is due to expire next June, and the 29-year-old is said to be looking to leave Allianz Arena in search of a fresh challenge.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in the midfielder, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are also thought to be keen on his services.

According to Sport, Man United are also in the picture, with the 20-time English champions identifying Kimmich as the ideal replacement for Casemiro, who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

The report claims that the Red Devils are ahead of Barcelona in the race for Kimmich and are now attempting to move to the top of the list in terms of the Premier League clubs showing an interest.

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Kimmich has again been a vital player for Bayern this season, featuring on 31 occasions in all competitions, scoring once and providing eight assists in the process.

The German made the move to the Munich giants from Stuttgart in 2015, and he has represented them on 378 occasions in all competitions, scoring 41 goals and registering 102 assists in the process.

Kimmich has won an incredible 20 trophies during his time at Bayern, including eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, and the club are also challenging for the German title and European Cup this term.

Man United have allegedly made the midfielder 'a priority' during the summer market, and Bayern are believed to be preparing for his departure ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

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Casemiro's time at Man United is seemingly coming to an end

Casemiro made the switch to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, with the Red Devils moving for the Brazil captain after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

There were eyebrows raised when Man United paid in the region of £70m for his services, and he was handed a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

Casemiro impressed during the 2022-23 campaign, but his performances in the early stages of this season were criticised, and he has been restricted to just 21 appearances this term due to fitness issues.

The 32-year-old missed out against Liverpool in the FA Cup before the international break due to a muscular problem, and it remains to be seen whether he is back for Saturday's clash with Brentford.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia are believed to be showing a strong interest in Casemiro, and it does appear that he will be given the green light to leave Erik ten Hag's side in the upcoming market.