Casemiro linked with shock move away from Man Utd, European giants want to sign him

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Bayern Munich this summer, according to a new report.

The Brazilian midfielder moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid last summer for a fee of £70 million.

The signing of the five-time Champions League winner was heralded as effectively the start of the Erik ten Hag era at United, with the midfielder brought in to add major trophy-winning experience to the club and become one of their leaders.

Casemiro made an instant impact at United, slotting into the starting XI and quickly becoming undroppable. Although the second half of the season has seen the midfielder suffer unwanted disciplinary issues, missing eight games in 2023 through suspension, there is no doubting the effect he has had on Ten Hag's side.

One of the player's representatives, Oscar Ribot, told The Guardian last month that Casemiro plans to retire from playing at Old Trafford, with the four-year deal he signed last summer taking him to the age of 34.

But it remains to be seen whether a move by Bayern would cause him to rethink that strategy.

Bayern keen on Man Utd's Casemiro

According to German outlet kicker, the 31-year-old is a target for new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel this summer.

Having spent over 18 months with Chelsea before his departure last year, the outlet claims that the German boss is keen to return to English football for recruitment, in order to add top players to his squad.

One of those priorities is said to be a 'number six' - or defensive midfielder - and Casemiro is said to be on the club's shortlist of players to improve that position.

However, Bayern have publicly confirmed that the signing of a striker is also a top priority, with Eric Choupo-Moting the club's only recognised centre forward.

Other players, such as Leroy Sane, Sadio Mane and even Thomas Muller, can all fill that role, but the German giants want to acquire a natural striker that can help fire them to glory both domestically and in Europe.

One of their targets is said to be United-linked Harry Kane - meaning Bayern could still land a double blow on United by signing the Tottenham star and convincing Ten Hag to part ways with his star midfielder, however challenging that may be.