Marc Casado: Barcelona reach major decision on Man United target

But a drop in performance, as well as a reluctance to pay both the fee and his wages, has left the England international with the prospect of an unwanted return to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign. INEOS are desperate to be rid of his exorbitant contract, which will increase if United secure Champions League football next year, ensuring this reunion will not be a happy one.

However, on the flip side, Casado – Barcelona’s all-action midfield warrior – is a target for the Red Devils to perform their own revamp this summer, meaning his availability will be a boost at the same time that Rashford’s return is a blow.

Midfield Maestro

Two big-money recruits are expected to arrive in M16 to fix the stalling engine room, given Casemiro is set to depart and Manuel Ugarte has proven an incapable understudy.

INEOS are seeking to repeat the ‘Premier League proven’ approach which guided the overhaul of the misfiring forward line last year. Elliot Anderson is the primary target, while Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are also under consideration.

However, the club are understood to also be examining a number of high-profile options in Spain, with Real Madrid’s dynamic duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga both on the radar.

But Casado is another player with admirers at Old Trafford, as the Spain international’s potent pairing of technique and industry offers a ‘complete’ package in midfield.

The “elite” technician has even drawn comparisons to Bayern Munich superstar, Joshua Kimmich, from his teammates in the Barca dressing room.

Earlier in the campaign, there was firm interest from United, but Barcelona’s reluctance to lose a homegrown talent was said to be an obstacle to any deal.

This means a pursuit of Casado has now received a lightning bolt after a change of heart in Catalonia, even if it also requires Rashford to take the seat next to the Spanish midfielder on the plane to Manchester once the season ends.

Featured image Pedro Salado via Getty Images

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