Manchester United consider launching bid to sign 29-year-old free agent: Reports
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Spanish defender Mario Hermoso with the intention of roping him in this summer, as per acclaimed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Hermoso, 29, left La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid at the end of his contract earlier this June. The left-footed versatile star, who lifted the La Liga title in 2021, is said to be assessing a host of options right now.
Should Hermoso decide to join Manchester United in the ongoing summer transfer window, he would pop up as a fine squad option for them. He would offer excellent competition to Lisandro Martinez in a central role and would also be able to feature as a left-back if needed.
Prior to departing Atletico Madrid, Hermoso found the back of the net 10 times and laid out six assists in 174 matches for the Spanish outfit.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. They have agreed to pay up to £43 million for the former, while striking a £17 million deal for the latter.
Ex-Manchester United star says Red Devils should keep Casemiro at club this summer
Speaking to betting website TG Casino, ex-Manchester United centre-back Mikael Silvestre shared his two cents on Casemiro's situation at the Old Trafford outfit. He opined (h/t GOAL):
"He still has the energy and enough in the tank to show that he is still a valuable player for the team. Not maybe every single game because it's quite intense but in the biggest fixtures, most of the time, he was performing to the level he's expected to. He seems like a good character to have in the dressing room. If the team wants to get back to winning ways, they need these types of players around."
Asked if United should prioritize selling Casemiro, Silvestre replied:
"Not unless the club has recruited and has someone coming in through the pipeline. It's important for the manager to have the right amount of players in training and the right amount of players in the defensive midfield area. Of course, you have Kobbie Mainoo. But besides him, you can't identify another top number six in the squad. I wouldn't be shocked if Casemiro was playing for another season."
Since arriving in a potential £70 million deal in 2022, the Brazilian has recorded 12 goals and nine assists in 83 appearances for his team.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have allegedly been linked with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Youssouf Fofana so far this summer.