Manchester United are hot on the trail of AS Monaco right-back Vanderson, according to a report in Spain.
John Murtough and Co are pushing to try and get a move for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro over the line. Personal terms are understood to have been agreed with the Brazilian and United have now agreed a transfer fee with Real.
United will pay £51.5m that could potentially rise to £59.2m in add-ons. But already United are lining up their next move as they look for an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Diogo Dalot is the player holding the right-back spot at the moment. But Erik ten Hag has told United officials he wants a new signing to compete with Dalot. That would leave Wan-Bissaka free to leave.
Jurrien Timber has already turned down a move to Old Trafford this summer, while Sergino Dest and Denzel Dumfries have been mooted as targets.
Thomas Meunier is also believed to be an option. But the latest name to be thrown into the ring is 21-year-old Vanderson.
The Brazilian defender is wanted by Barcelona and was on the front page of Sport on Friday identified as one of their targets. Sport Witness report that there was no mention of United, until you move to the online version.
There the AS headline is ‘United want Vanderson’.
The Spanish outlet confirm that United have made enquiries with the player’s representatives. The club have apparently asked to be kept informed of any move from Barca. What is more they have promised to top any bid from the Catalan giants.
Xavi is desperate for a new right-back having seen a move for Cesar Azpilicueta collapse. The former Gremio man is one of a number of options for Barca, which also include Hector Bellerin.
Barca sporting director Mateu Alemany has made contact with Monaco though and United have been asked to be alerted to any movement.
New deal for Vanderson
One key fact missing from the report though is that Vanderson only this week signed a new deal with the club until 2027.
Sporting Director Paul Mitchell said: “It’s with excitement that we announce the extension of Vanderson. This signing again shows our continued ambition. And more evidence of our strategy to work with the top young players in Europe.”
That would cast huge doubts over a move for the highly-rated youngster, who has started both of the club’s Ligue 1 games to date.
Of course tying down Vanderson does not prevent the player from moving. But the timing of the contract extension does place a question mark over the story.
Mitchell, knowing of interest from Barca, could have made sure that Vanderson was tied to the club long-term to protect the player’s value.
A firm move from United would test the resolve of Monaco. And Barca would not be keen to enter a bidding war with the Premier League club.