Manchester United are set to miss out on two midfield targets, Marc Casado of Barcelona and Aleksandar Stankovic of Club Brugge, in a setback to their summer transfer plans.
The Red Devils had identified both players as potential additions to bolster their midfield options following the signing of Ederson from Atalanta, but have been beaten to their signatures by Monaco and Inter Milan respectively.
Casado, 22, has emerged as a promising talent at Barcelona, playing a role in their recent LaLiga triumph despite limited starting appearances. According to TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey, United had ‘explored the possibility’ of signing the Spaniard, holding conversations regarding his situation. However, Monaco have moved decisively, with a deal worth in excess of £20million reportedly close to completion, offering Casado the promise of regular first-team football.
Stankovic, 20, had also attracted interest from Tottenham and other Premier League clubs, with both United and Spurs sending scouts to monitor his progress at Club Brugge. However, Inter Milan have activated a buy-back clause worth just over £20million to bring the Serbia Under-21 international back to the San Siro, where his father, Dejan Stankovic, was a club legend.
United will now turn their attention to other targets, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali remaining of interest. The club are also pursuing options in the wide areas, with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, Leao’s potential transfer has been complicated by a recent incident during a friendly match between Portugal and Chile, where he appeared to strike Chile’s Ivan Roman, potentially facing a ban that could extend to the upcoming World Cup. Leao has since defended his actions in a social media statement.
