"Highly regarded": Man Utd now identify Villarreal star as "ideal" Casemiro replacement - report

Manchester United have identified Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye as an ideal replacement for Casemiro during the summer transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.

The Red Devils are poised to sign a new defensive midfielder for next season. The club have already confirmed that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires on June 30.

United have already been linked with multiple names, and Foot Mercato cite that Gueye has been earmarked as an ‘ideal’ choice to replace Casemiro in the number six role.

The Senegal international is ‘highly regarded’ by the Mancunian giants, and they could make a ‘very tempting’ offer for the former Marseille man during the summer.

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United are preparing for a busy summer ahead. They are currently fourth in the standings and well-positioned to return to European football for the 2026/27 season.

This would obviously require a bigger squad to handle the extra workload. Casemiro is on his way out, but Manuel Ugarte could likewise head for the exit door.

Ugarte was a loan target for Ajax at the start of the year, and there is a possibility that he could push for an exit, having played second fiddle to Casemiro this term.

United may want a marquee replacement for Casemiro. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson could be a frontrunner to replace the Brazil international in the squad.

However, the hierarchy may also explore a solid backup choice. We believe Gueye could be considered, given his experience and career turnaround with Villarreal.

The French-born ace was signed on a free transfer by the La Liga outfit. Villarreal are on course to return to the Champions League, but could still make a sizeable profit from his sale.

He is valued at around £17.5 million by Transfermarkt. A package of around £25m could persuade the Yellow Submarine to do business with United during the summer.

Gueye is a midfielder who excels in duels and makes regular ball recoveries. He would be a good addition to the United squad without paying an excessive transfer fee.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .