Manchester United have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The Red Devils who have struggled badly this season have been in the market for a defensive midfielder. They have been unsuccessful in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and have now turned their attention to Casemiro, who has been one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe in the past decade.
Manchester United will pay £70m (£60m plus £10m in add-ons) for the 30-year-old. However, the transfer is still subject to the agreement of personal terms, UK visa requirements and a medical.
The Brazilian international is expected to arrive in the UK in the next 24 to 48 hours to undergo a medical and sign a four-year contract with United, which has the option of a further year.
Casemiro joined Real Madrid from São Paulo in 2013 and won three La Liga titles and the Champions League five times.
The UEFA Champions League holders announced an “institutional act of homage and farewell to Casemiro will take place at Real Madrid City on Monday morning, with the presence of club president Florentino Perez”.
Earlier Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti had confirmed that Casemiro was set to leave Real Madrid to pursue a “new challenge”.
“I talked to (Casemiro) this morning,” Ancelotti said. “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I and the club understand it.
“With what he’s done at this club and the person he is, we have to respect it. There are talks right now. Nothing is official, but he wants to leave. We wish him all the best in his next challenge.”
United defender and former teammate Raphael Varane, said on social media: “Many battles fought together with my warrior Case! Welcome to Manchester, amigo.”
