Casemiro 'enters talks' over record-breaking transfer in major Manchester United FFP boost

Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr have reportedly accelerated their interest in Manchester United midfielder Casemiro ahead of a potential summer transfer.

The 32-year-old is expected to leave Old Trafford following a woeful second season and Al Nassr appear ready to supply Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a welcome influx of cash. United, at risk of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, will rely on player sales this summer to undergo a required transformation.

Restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play (FFP) and the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will reportedly limit the club's net spend to around £100m. MEN Sport understands INEOS have placed all but Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana on the transfer list.

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Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial will help the clearout as they approach their contract expiries alongside Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans. However, Casemiro is among the high-profile names up for sale, alongside Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.

And the Brazil captain is reportedly being lined up for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, where a possible reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo awaits. According to CaughtOffside, Al Nassr have already held discussions with Casemiro's representatives about a summer transfer.

The Reds' No. 18 is said to be open to pursuing a new challenge if the price is right, just two years after joining from Real Madrid in a £70m deal. The report adds that Al Nassr are ready to table a three-year contract and are preparing to send United an initial offer worth in the region of £34m.

It would be the biggest transfer fee that United have ever received for a midfielder, a record currently held by Morgan Schneiderlin's £24m switch to Everton in 2016. Casemiro would also become the fourth-biggest sale in the club's long history if he completed a £34m move to the Middle East this summer.

Ronaldo's then-world record £80m transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 has yet to be topped, though there have since been 18 more expensive deals in world football, including Antony and Paul Pogba's United arrivals.

Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan for £74m in 2019 follows, and Angel di Maria's £44m escape to Paris Saint-Germain in 2015 makes up the top three. Casemiro's departure would boost United's transfer budget and make space for at least one midfield addition to add energy and physicality to the engine room.