Breaking: Carlo Ancelotti confirms Casemiro wants to leave Real Madrid with Manchester United transfer progressing

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that midfielder Casemiro wants a new challenge ahead of his proposed move to Manchester United.

Speaking ahead of their La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo, Ancelotti explained the club's acceptance for Casemiro's wished departure following a meeting between him and the player.

"I spoke with him this morning. He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity," he said.

"The club understands him for what he has done and for the person he is.

"There are negotiations, nothing is official, but his will to get out of it is clear.

"If there is an agreement, we have resources to replace it."

The manager was then quizzed on whether he attempted to convince the 30-year-old to remain in Spain, he was open and commended the way that Casemiro has dealt with the situation.

"I have not tried to convince him," he explained. "I have talked a lot with him,

"I am very confident with him, he has helped us a lot. Listening to his will and desire there is no way to go back.

"You have to consider this. I don't know what will happen in the next few hours, if he stays or doesn't.

"If he does not stay, my thanks are great because he has done it and he is doing it very well."

Ancelotti was then pushed on the reason behind the midfielder's planned exit.

"These are personal issues. Casemiro has understood very well what Real Madrid is,

"Something similar happened to me when I was coach of Milan: you are very good, but there comes a time when you want to try something new,

"And he felt very good in a club that was like a family. It is something personal and I understand it perfectly."

The five-time Champions League winner is expected to join Erik ten Hag's Reds, however, it is not believed that he will be signed in time to play against Liverpool on Monday due to the club missing out on the cut-off time for registering new signings.

The deal is reported to be in the region of €70 million, including €10m add-ons. He is set to sign a four year contract with the option for an additional year.

Casemiro will be one of United's highest paid players, with it being said that he'll be in line with David de Gea, who reportedly takes home around £350,000-per-week.