Casemiro’s future holds the key to Manchester United securing Felix Nmecha’s signature | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund but it will not be an easy deal to pull off in the summer.

The German has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, registering three goals and two assists while playing as a defensive midfielder. He is equally adept at playing in a double pivot and even as an attacking midfielder.

Chasing him makes sense as Ruben Amorim wants to bring in someone who can partner Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park as it would allow Bruno Fernandes the licence to play in his favoured attacking midfield position.

Nmecha’s form has caught the attention of a host of English clubs including the Red Devils but it has come to light that Dortmund will demand €50 million to part ways with the former Manchester City starlet.

And given the financial situation at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim’s need to add a ruthless striker to his squad, the 20-time English league champions might not have the funds to pull this deal off.

Nmecha deal possible on one condition

But Givemesport have claimed that INEOS have not completely given up hope of landing the Germany international and Casemiro’s departure could free up funds to go after him.

“Manchester United have refused to rule out the possibility of landing Felix Nmecha if they can stretch their budget after the Borussia Dortmund has been earmarked as a possible signing by members of the Old Trafford recruitment department as the summer transfer window edges closer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Manchester United are planning to spend the majority of their transfer budget on bringing in a new first-choice striker after they have lacked firepower throughout the season, GMS sources have learned, but an eventual attempt to recruit Nmecha has not been discounted as Amorim prepares for his first full campaign at the helm.

“GMS sources have been told that Manchester United’s hopes of signing Nmecha could rest on whether they are able to find a buyer for Casemiro as they are unlikely to put the necessary funds towards strengthening their options in the middle of the park unless they oversee big-name departures to ease the strain on their wage bill.”

Can Casemiro be moved on?

The Brazilian has returned to form recently after a tactical tweak by the head coach but he still lacks the legs to operate consistently in Amorim’s high-intensity system.

The co-owners also want him gone given his humongous wages with Sir Jim Ratcliffe even aiming a pointed “overpaid” jibe at the five-time Champions League winner recently.

Erik ten Hag was the manager when United decided to splurge an initial €60 million in panic to land the Brazilian ace and while was performed admirably in his first season, he has struggled since.

The 33-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League but his wage demands and United’s asking price has meant a transfer has not materialised thus far with the player also looking to see out his current lucrative United deal.

Should the former Real Madrid ace be moved on, Nmecha’s arrival could become a possibility. Chelsea, Newcastle are also reportedly chasing the Dortmund ace, whose contract is valid until 2028.

Feature image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

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