Erik ten Hag set for crunch transfer meeting as Manchester United plan bumper £25m pay off

Casemiro could stay at Manchester United this summer because it would cost a small fortune to pay off his bumper £290,000 per-week contract.

The Brazilian, 32, looked certain to the next high-profile summer exit from Old Trafford after Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial departed the club. Casemiro impressed during his debut campaign following his £60million move from Real Madrid in August 2022, but has struggled in his second.

There had been talks over a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, but although Al-Nassr showed an interest, there was no official offer. United want £30m - half of the fee they paid for him two years ago - to sell the four-time Champions League winner, who has two years left on his contract.

His representatives are set to meet boss Erik ten Hag next week over his future. And they will not settle for a cut-price pay-off to go, leaving United having to fork out up to a staggering £25m, according to The Sun. Casemiro is said to be the highest-paid player at the Red Devils ahead of Marcus Rashford.

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Casemiro had been slammed for his performances during the second half of last season, as United limped to their lowest-ever Premier League finish of eighth. After one particular game - a 4-0 defeat Crystal Palace in early May - Casemiro was singled out for criticism following a dismal showing.

His fitness and mentality had been questioned in the aftermath, but Casemiro fired back a fierce response to any doubters. "I feel very well, very well," he told Sky Sports last month. "I'm really well, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality I always had.

"I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it's been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d'Or winners were over 34.

"At Man City, there's Kevin De Bruyne. (Mo) Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one's game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game.

"These are people who analyse football well, who see what's happening, who know what's happening, analysing not the age. But I'm well, I'm happy, living every day I get to play here.

"As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I'm happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game."