Man Utd identify successor should Casemiro leave

Stuart Telford

Updated: 28 Apr 2023 19:54 BST
3 min read

Casemiro has been linked with a shock move to Bayern Munich from Manchester United, and the Red Devils have lined up an alternative should the Brazilian choose to leave.

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Casemiro has been a brilliant addition to United's side this season following his €80 million arrival from Real Madrid, silencing doubters with his inspirational performances in central midfield.

The player himself claims to be happy, but German sports daily Kicker recently reported that Thomas Tuchel has made Casemiro his top transfer target as he looks to shore up Bayern Munich's midfield having succeeded Julian Nagelsmann as manager.

READ: Man Utd fear shock Casemiro exit

Even if Casemiro stays at Old Trafford, he turned 31 in February and a long-term successor will be needed either way - and that man will be Romeo Lavia if recent reports are to be believed.

Romeo Lavia • 19 years old • 22/23 • Against ‘big 6’. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/L4QHyGGbW4
— Mark (@SFCMW_) April 19, 2023

Ten Hag 'admires' Lavia

"Ten Hag admires Southampton's Romeo Lavia as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro," writes the Independent's Miguel Delaney.

Lavia has impressed for the Saints this season, averaging two blocks and tackles per game and completing 97 per cent of his passes per 90 minutes, despite playing for a relegation-threatened team.

READ: Guardiola has 'INCREDIBLE OPINION' of Man Utd target

United's acquisition of Lavia would no doubt draw the ire of cross-town rivals Manchester City. City sold Lavia to Southampton for a potential £14 million last summer, and have first refusal to buy him back for £40m in 2024 - but that clause isn't active until then.

Lavia is valued at €21.2m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, so United could acquire him for significantly less - and sooner - especially if the Saints do indeed go down.

City could be kicking themselves for not inserting a 'Brahim Diaz' clause. When the Spain attacker left Manchester for Real Madrid in January 2019, City had a caveat that if Real subsequently sold him to Man Utd, they would receive 40 per cent of the fee.