United handed lifeline for Casemiro’s dream successor after rival’s “formal approach” for 40m talisman fails – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United’s insistence on sticking to their guns on valuations is risking each of their Premier League rivals hoovering up the top midfielders on the market – but a perfect target remains in sight, according to a new report. Running out of Targets The Red Devils’ primary target heading into the summer window was well established to be Elliot Anderson. However, Nottingham Forest’s valuation of the 23-year-old talisman proved too steep, forcing United to withdraw and allowing a £116 million move to Manchester City to be completed last night. This led to a pivot towards West Ham United starlet Mateus Fernandes as an alternative. There was hope relegation would force the Hammers to sell at a reduced price, but the east London club have refused to budge on their £80-85m demands. INEOS consider the 21-year-old Portugal international to be worth closer to £60m , leading to weeks of protracted negotiations between all parties. This, in turn, allowed Tottenham Hotspur to storm into the race, with the Lilywhites willing to pay over the odds to hijack a deal. While there has been no agreement between either club and West Ham, the direction of travel suggests Fernandes will only be allowed to join Tottenham as United refuse to be held to ransom in a similar decision to Anderson. Consequently, Old Trafford chiefs have reignited a pursuit of Alex Scott, holding fresh talks this week for the AFC Bournemouth maestro. However, the Cherries are understood to have ruled out an exit from the Vitality Stadium, with new manager Marco Rose viewing the 22-year-old Guernsey native as a “cornerstone” of his new side. Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni remains a “dream target” for United, but there is acceptance that a pursuit will prove as difficult as it is costly for a player who will not leave the Santiago Bernabeu unless forced out. While there are other options on the radar, such as Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton, neither comes close to matching a midfielder with a host of admirers in M16: Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal strike first Guimaraes, 28, has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since signing for Newcastle United in 2022 for £40 million. He is capable of playing as a No.6, No.8 or even in a more advanced role, as evidenced by his 31 goals and 32 assists in 195 appearances for the Magpies. The Brazil international is currently playing at the World Cup alongside Casemiro, who is said to want Guimaraes to arrive at Old Trafford as his successor, such is his admiration for the Newcastle captain. When told about his compatriot’s words, Guimaraes described them as a “privilege”. However, the former Lyon star turns 30 next year, putting him firmly outside INEOS’s recruitment model of prioritising players in the 22-26 bracket. Furthermore, Newcastle would be loath to lose their talismanic leader, requiring a king’s ransom to do so. But, in a sharp twist, Guimaraes is understood to be pushing for an exit from St James’ Park this summer, having grown disillusioned with his side’s lack of progress and willingness to sell their best players. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed intermediaries had reached out to a host of top European clubs, including Manchester United, over a potential summer switch, though it was said Arsenal were frontrunners. This was then confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Gunners launched a “formal approach” in yesterday. The plan was to open talks over a £55m deal, but this was “immediately rejected” by Newcastle, who communicated they “won’t sell for that fee.” The Tyneside club are believed to be holding out for a fee in the £60-70m range, which still comes in significantly cheaper than the prices being quoted for his teammate, Sandro Tonali Final Thoughts This hands the Red Devils a golden opportunity to strike first by laying down a marker to their rivals to secure the perfect replacement for Casemiro, as directed by the five-time Champions League winner himself. INEOS must pay up for a rare midfielder who is worth going all-in on. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.