Chelsea look set to hand Manchester United a major blow in the race to sign Real Madrid's Casemiro, according to reports.
The 30-year-old has been tentatively linked with a move to the Premier League this summer but with both sides yet to bolster their midfield, interest has grown.
Thomas Tuchel has been in the market for reinforcements to deputise for Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, who each see their current deals at Stamford Bridge expire in 11 months. Aurelien Tchouameni emerged as a potential replacement, but Real swooped in and hijacked the Blues' interest.
According to Marca, the France international was - ironically - identified by Carlo Ancelotti as the 'perfect replacement for Casemiro'. Shortly after Tchouameni snubbed Chelsea and penned a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, Casemiro faced an increasingly uncertain future in the Spanish capital.With growing doubt over his future at Los Blancos, reports from Spain claimed that the Brazil international wanted reassurances over his future - namely, a new contract with his current deal set to expire in three years. But, Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez stood firm and Casemiro is yet to pen an extension.
As a result, the Mirror said in May, the Spanish giants will welcome offers for the midfielder this summer. Though, the report said that the La Liga champions will 'gladly' keep the him for the time being if he drops his desire for an improved deal.
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