By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Casemiro on a transfer fee of €60 million.
Casemiro, 30, is expected to receive a substantial pay increase at United, who have been looking to strengthen their squad after losing the first two games of the Premier League season.
“I talked about it with [Casemiro] this morning,” Ancelotti said in a news conference on Friday ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga game at Celta Vigo. “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. The club and I understand it. Casemiro — with what he’s done at this club, and with the person he is — we have to respect this desire he has.
“There are negotiations right now. Nothing is official, he’s still a Real Madrid player, but he wants to leave. If he goes and reaches an agreement, we have the resources to replace him.”
Ancelotti said he had not tried to convince the player to change his mind.
“We wish him all the best in his next challenge.”
Luka Modric signed a contract extension to 2023 and Toni Kroos also provides pedigreed experience to mesh with younger talents, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
United have desperately needed a defensive midfielder for years and the Brazilian offers attributes manager Erik ten Hag does not possess in his squad.
The former Sao Paulo man has played over 300 times for Madrid and has been part of five Champions League successes.
Casemiro will be United’s fourth summer signing after the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.