Manchester United have reached out to Spanish giants Real Madrid about the prospect of signing midfielder Casemiro.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United, who were beaten 4-0 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, view Casemiro as a more attainable target than Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Reds are desperate to strengthen their midfield options before the transfer window closes and have seen their move for Adrien Rabiot collapse due to his wage demands.
It is unclear whether Casemiro would be open to joining United, as he is under contract at Madrid until 2025 and remains a key player in manager Carlo Ancelotti's plans. It is also possible that his agent could be using the Reds in a bid to increase his client's salary in the Spanish capital.
READ MORE: Three ways United can line-up if they complete Casemiro transfer swoop
United's recent defeats to Brighton and Brentford have highlighted just how desperate they are for midfield reinforcements. De Jong, who has been tracked by United since May, remains an active target, but there are growing doubts that a deal will be concluded.
Should that fail, Casemiro would be a welcome alternative, although United will find it difficult to lure the Brazilian to Old Trafford, based purely on the differentiating circumstances between themselves and Madrid at this moment in time. The Spanish club are the current Champions League holders while United are preparing for a campaign in the Europa League.
But if United are to strike lucky in their efforts to bring the Brazil international to M16, it would send out a big statement of intent. He would be a fantastic addition and would instantly strengthen their midfield options.
With that said, if United were to secure his signature ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1, you can guarantee that no shortage of supporters would want his name and number on the back of their 2022/23 replica shirts. But what number would he take if he was to join the club?
Currently, Casemiro wears No.14 for Madrid - the number he has worn since 2015. Unfortunately for him, the No.14 shirt has already been snapped up this summer, with Christian Eriksen scooping it upon his arrival at Old Trafford last month.
Erik ten Hag was keen to add Eriksen to his ranks after he impressed at Brentford between January and the end of last season. The Dane was unable to claim his trademark No.23 shirt as that is currently owned by Luke Shaw.
It means Casemiro, who turned 30 back in February, will have to choose a different number if he joins United. Other numbers that he has worn at club level in the past include No.6, No.8, No.16 and No.28.
United still have a handful of relatively famous shirt numbers up for grabs for any further signings, including No.13, No.15 and No.18. The latter of those numbers was vacated by Bruno Fernandes, who switched to the No.8 shirt ahead of the start of this season.
Casemiro wears the No.5 shirt for his native Brazil and that is, of course, occupied by club captain Harry Maguire.
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