Manchester United will need a new central midfielder when Casemiro leaves the club in the summer

Three more points at Chelsea on Saturday night mean Manchester United are that bit closer to Champions League qualification. Major signings are expected to follow should they complete the task, and central midfield represents one of the priority areas with Casemiro set to depart in the summer and a replacement required.

Aurelien Tchouameni joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, the same window which saw Casemiro complete a big-money move to Old Trafford. History could be about to repeat itself if reports are to be believed, with Tchouameni emerging as a potential replacement for the Brazilian yet again.

United’s progress under Michael Carrick has been impressive and they only need six more points to lock in a top-five finish. Three of those five games are at home, starting with Brentford on Monday.

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Greater clarity over summer transfer strategy is expected to emerge once United establish whether Champions League football is on the menu. That hasn’t prevented speculation, however, and we have the latest developments here.

Tchouameni deal has moving parts

The departures of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho could make it simpler for United to accommodate Aurelien Tchouameni’s wages should they reach a transfer agreement with Real Madrid, according to BBC Sport. With two high earners set to leave when their contracts expire, any concerns over the wage budget are unlikely to rest on whether Barcelona take up their option on Marcus Rashford at the conclusion of his loan spell.

One potential complication, however, is Madrid’s need to secure a suitable replacement. The Manchester Evening News understands that Premier League stars Rodri and Enzo Fernandez are likely to hold the key to the move as they eye at least one marquee name before sanctioning Tchouameni’s departure.

Rodri is approaching the final year of his Manchester City contract and has long been admired in the Spanish capital. Argentina international Fernandez may also be on the market this summer, with Chelsea potentially needing to offload stars if they fail to secure Champions League football.

Barcelona exit transfer race

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceicao is not a player Barcelona want to sign right now. Palmeiras youngster Conceicao has reportedly been the subject of a United bid worth approximately £35million plus add-ons, but there is seemingly no substance to claims of meetings between the player’s representatives and Barca director of football Deco.

United could still face competition from elsewhere in the Premier League, however. The same outlet suggests Newcastle have also submitted a bid, while Manchester City are reported to have cast an eye over the 16 year old. Conceicao, a winger, grabbed two goals and two assists for Brazil in this year’s South American Under-17 championship. Much like his compatriot Estevao, who is now at Chelsea, the youngster will be unable to make the move to Europe until he reaches the age of 18.

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Man Utd are on the hunt for a new No. 6 this summer and the ideal candidate will come into the side to partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.

In many ways, it’s a shame Manchester United didn’t see more of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro playing alongside each other in midfield. Since January, the boy from Stockport and the experienced Brazilian have formed a complementary partnership, one that has been hiding in plain sight at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick and his coaching staff deserve credit for setting up the team in a way that has allowed the pair to thrive, helping each other along and getting protection from elsewhere as well. They have started 11 of Carrick’s 12 games in charge and have been the bedrock of a successful run.

Mainoo has loved his time playing alongside Casemiro and is still learning from the five-time Champions League winner now, but the clock is ticking on their time together, with the former Real Madrid man set to depart at the end of this season.

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Recruitment bosses at Old Trafford have been aware that was the plan all season and have had plenty of time to draw up plans to sign a replacement. With Ruben Amorim gone, a 4-2-3-1 back on the agenda and Mainoo back in the team, the desire is to sign an elite-level No. 6 who can play alongside the homegrown academy graduate.

Casemiro fit the bill in many ways. He could do the defensive work, but brought some brawn to the engine room as well. At times, he was Mainoo’s shield, the more physical player who would try to let the younger man do his thing on the ball.

Both players have a good passing range and it is noticeable that Mainoo’s defensive work has improved – he was outstanding in that area against Chelsea on Saturday night. They have developed an understanding of their respective strengths and the team has been set up to get the best out of both of them.

That is what United need to replicate now, with Casemiro on his way and Mainoo set to sign a new five-year contract. He turned 21 the day after the win at Chelsea and looks like being a key member of the side going forward.

Mainoo’s return to prominence is one reason why United have cooled interest in Adam Wharton. While an excellent technical footballer, he is considered similar to Mainoo in the way he progresses the ball. Neither has the physical dominance required in a Premier League engine room these days.

Elliot Anderson does tick that box and looks like he should complement Mainoo, but the best fit might be Aurelien Tchouameni, the 26-year-old France international that United are monitoring ahead of the summer window.

Tchouameni is a key member of the Real Madrid side at the moment, but his situation could change if the La Liga giants land one of their own midfield targets, with Rodri of Manchester City and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez at the top of the list.

In an era when winning duels and individual battles are key to success in the Premier League, signing a player with Tchouameni’s physical attributes makes a lot of sense. He is also strong in the air, which is a major part of Casemiro’s game.

On paper, a midfield two of Tchouameni and Mainoo looks to tick a lot of boxes. The Frenchman brings World Cup and Champions League-winning experience, as well as a game that looks like a good fit for the Premier League. It might well be United’s dream pairing next season. Making it happen will be easier said than done.

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Manchester City beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Wednesday night to move top of the Premier League table on goals scored

John Stones’ name got an airing from the away end at Turf Moor on Wednesday night but it’s the new boys of the Manchester City backline that have helped Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the Premier League table.

While the likes of Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly have hit the headlines and the goals in recent weeks, City’s five game winning run across three competitions has seen them concede just once. And even that was after a blunder from Gianluigi Donnarumma against Arsenal last weekend.

In a season where goal difference could prove the deciding factor and Arsenal’s defence has been lauded as best in class, City have conceded only three goals fewer than the Gunners in the league and registered just one fewer clean sheet.

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Against Burnley on Wednesday night the visitors were profligate in front of goal, missing countless chances to extend their winning margin in a result that could have given Arsenal fresh impetus given the Gunners may have feared a goal difference deficit.

But goal difference works both ways and City have found a partnership in Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi that have proved rock steady in the heart of the defence. It’s easy at times to forget that this City side is shorn of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias while Stones, now fit again, has missed huge chunks of the campaign.

Khusanov has grown into a calm and commanding Premier League presence, with his pace a huge asset and his attitude and willingness to learn endearing him to manager and fans.

Guehi has brought added leadership to the ranks with the England international having captained Crystal Palace, while his quality on the ball has enabled City to break lines from the back.

And Stones, along with Nathan Ake, have provided an experienced hand from the sidelines when they’ve not been required on the pitch.

Early in the second half at Turf Moor Guardiola dissected a passage of play where Burnley threatened with a long ball forward and a flick on which required a timely intervention from Matheus Nunes.

The City boss took his seat and animatedly pointed out his thoughts to Ake and Stones on the bench. Those two experienced heads could both be departing in the summer but both have played an important role this season despite limited opportunities.

Ake came into the side for Carabao Cup final and performed admirably and while injuries have limited Stones’ minutes, he’s still been an important presence at the training ground and a sounding board for the new boys to learn from.

This is a player who has done it all at City in a glittering career. He’s not played the matches he would have liked this term but has been a voice of experience behind the scenes, offering advice and encouragement to the academy prospects who step into first team training.

It was perhaps notable that as the City players took in the applause of the away end at full time, Guardiola was deep in conversation with Ake.

The Blues have a balance at the back that is going under the radar. It could prove pivotal in the coming weeks.

Al Nassr could boast a team featuring some of the finest players on the planet next season – if Cristiano Ronaldo’s team gets their way this summer

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, alongside several other high-profile names, could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr next season. The Saudi Pro League side haven’t claimed the domestic championship since 2019 and have been forced to watch the recent supremacy of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

It now seems they’re pulling out all the stops to claim the trophy next season. Al Nassr already possess a squad brimming with quality including the likes of Croatian World Cup finalist and Serie A winner Marcelo Brozovic as well as multiple Bundesliga-winning French international Kingsley Coman.

Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane, a Premier League and Champions League victor, also features alongside Ronaldo. Meanwhile the once most expensive player on the planet, and former Chelsea forward, Joao Felix, plus Inigo Martinez, who secured La Liga with Barcelona in 2025, are just some other figures who comprise their squad.

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Nevertheless, they could be poised to elevate their super team to unprecedented levels. MEN takes a closer look at the five stars who could join Al Nassr this summer.

Mo Salah

Salah shocked the football world when he revealed his desire to depart Liverpool in March after nine years. The Egyptian sits third on the club’s all-time top scorers list and has secured two Premier League titles and the Champions League at Anfield.

Multiple offers have reportedly surfaced to acquire his services, including one from Al Nassr. The club, owned by The Public Investment Fund (PIF), is understood to have expressed interest in partnering him with Ronaldo to form a formidable attacking partnership, positioning him as the league’s latest marquee arrival.

Nevertheless, several other Saudi clubs are similarly tracking the striker’s circumstances closely, including Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah. Questions have also been posed regarding precisely how Salah would integrate into the team at Al Nassr.

Bernardo Silva

According to Saudi publication Al-Yaum, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are locked in competition to sign the Manchester City star on a free transfer. The Portuguese playmaker arrived at City in 2017 and has featured 451 times, claiming six Premier League titles and the Champions League under Pep Guardiola.

Following City’s confirmation of his departure at season’s end, the 31-year-old is believed to be coveted by Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Silva has been representing Portugal alongside Ronaldo at international level since March 2015.

The attacking midfielder has additionally been connected with transfers to Barcelona or Juventus, alongside clubs in the MLS. However, his associations with the Saudi Pro League run considerably deep, as in 2023, Al Hilal were believed to be assembling a package valued at £75million per season to secure the player from City.

Casemiro

Manchester United announced last month that Casemiro will depart the club when his contract expires in June. The midfielder became strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia in 2023 as he dropped down the pecking order under former United manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo, who played alongside Casemiro at Real Madrid, has reportedly advocated for the transfer. Inter Miami, co-owned by United legend David Beckham, are also eager to sign Casemiro.

Brazilian heavyweights Sao Paulo are also understood to be prepared to offer the player a two-year contract with an option to work for the club following his retirement.

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Nevertheless, according to Marca, Ronaldo sees Casemiro as the defensive linchpin required to ensure Al-Nassr’s supremacy in the Saudi Pro League. The financial proposal being assembled in Riyadh is anticipated to rival almost any other offer Casemiro receives.

Antonio Rudiger

The German centre-back is entering the final months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and is poised to become a free agent in the summer of 2026.

Rudiger moved to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022. The La Liga and Champions League victor is believed to be sought after by Al-Nassr.

However, some reports suggest that remaining with Los Blancos is a “priority” for the centre-back. The Spanish giants have reportedly tabled a one-year extension for the defender, which could complicate any move.

Diogo Costa

Al Nassr are reportedly in the hunt for a new goalkeeper after losing faith in their current options, Brazilian shot-stopper Bento and Raghed Al-Najjar, who is sidelined through injury.

The 26-year-old Costa, who has claimed two Primeira Liga titles with Porto, would represent a significant acquisition for Al Nassr, with the likes of United and City both credited with an interest in recent months.

While Ronaldo and his teammates are said to be fronting the pursuit of the goalkeeper, Costa penned a contract extension with Porto until June 2030 in December 2025, meaning any interested party would need to splash out a substantial fee to lure him away from his current club.

Speaking to O Jogo, Costa also suggested he would like to bring the curtain down on his career in Portugal. He said: “I would truly be the most fulfilled man in the world, because, as everyone knows, my dream has always been to play here. And now the story continues and I hope there will be more games.”

While the club’s prospective squad looks like something conjured up by a Football Manager fan with a cheat code, the reality is somewhat less glamorous for the Saudi Arabian outfit.

As of the 2024/25 season, SPL clubs are permitted to register a maximum of 10 non-Saudi players. However, while 10 can be registered, only eight non-Saudi players are permitted to feature in the matchday squad for domestic fixtures.

This means that should Al Nassr genuinely wish to assemble a superteam, compromises will inevitably need to be made, with several of their potential new recruits facing an anxious wait for regular game time.

An envoy for President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup this summer.

The Financial Times reported the plan is an effort to repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which soured after the former’s comments against Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran.

United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5, 2025. (Emilee Chinn/FIFA)

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament,” Zampolli told the outlet. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.

Italy had a chance to be in the World Cup already, but it lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff final.

CHELSEA STAR SAYS HE WAS ‘CONFUSED’ TRUMP SHARED STAGE AS PLAYERS CELEBRATED CLUB WORLD CUP WIN

Italy became the first World Cup-winning team to miss three consecutive tournaments after the 4-1 penalty shootout loss earlier this month.

“We still don’t believe it that we’re out and that it happened in this manner,” Italy’s Leonardo Spinazzola told reporters at the time, according to the New York Post. 

“It’s upsetting for everyone. For us, for our families and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.”

While Zampolli told Infantino about his proposed plan, FIFA’s president said Iran “for sure” will play in the World Cup despite the conflict involving the U.S.

Mehdi Taremi of Iran celebrates after scoring a goal during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group A game against Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium in Tehran March 25, 2025. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu)

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” Infantino said during the CNBC Invest in America Forum earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

“We hope that, by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

Infantino visited the Iranian national team in Turkey, which is where it has its training camp.

All three of Iran’s group stage games are scheduled to be played in the U.S. That remains the case after Iranian government officials suggested to FIFA that their games be moved to Mexico because they could not travel to the U.S.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed FIFA’s rejection of Iran’s request, and it is insisting Iran play where it’s scheduled — SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle. Iran said earlier this month it would only decide on its team’s participation once it heard from FIFA regarding its relocation request.

Iran is scheduled to play at SoFi Stadium against New Zealand June 16 to begin its tournament. It will also play Belgium at the stadium before finishing group play against Mo Salah and Egypt in Seattle June 26.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends an international friendly between Mexico and Portugal at Banorte Stadium in Mexico City March 28, 2026. (Antonio Torres/FIFA/Getty Images)

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Trump wrote in a Truth Social post last month that Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup as scheduled, though it might not be “appropriate” considering the conflict.

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” he wrote.

Trump also told Politico, “I really don’t care,” when asked about Iran’s participation in the tournament. Infantino, who has a strong relationship with Trump, said Trump has “reiterated” to him that the U.S. welcomes Iran’s team to compete.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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New photos of New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini have been leaked online amid their alleged affair scandal. After Page Six shared exclusive snippets of them spending time together at a luxury private resort in Sedona last month, fresh photos from that time have raised more questions about this situation.

In the new photos shared, we see Vrabel and Russini having breakfast together. According to the article, several eyewitnesses claimed that they dined alone, but sources close to the insider claimed that a group of friends joined them.

On X, NFL analyst Tony Farmer shared his thoughts on these new leaks of Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini.

“That’s Vrabel! Same shirt as the prior published photos. Not a girls trip. Not “laughable” to suggest it’s not innocent. This is breakfast guys, that means the sleepover is confirmed,” Farmer wrote.

After receiving extensive backlash for the scandal, Dianna Russini decided to resign from her position at The Athletic earlier this month. In her resignation letter, she stated that she’s doing so to avoid it hampering the career that she’s built and denied the affair allegations.

“I have decided to step down aside now- before my current contract expires on June 30,” Russini wrote. “I do so not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to let it further oxygen or let it define me or my career.”

ALSO READ: Le’Veon Bell revives old Dianna Russini tweet with viral “Mike Vrabel” fan remark amid dating scandal

ALSO READ: “Mike Vrabel absolutely nuked Dianna Russini today”: NFL insider makes feelings known on Patriots HC’s comments on alleged affair drama

Mike Vrabel dodges a question about Dianna Russini’s resignation

After days of silence, Mike Vrabel finally addressed the affair allegations with Dianna Russini during a press conference on Tuesday. He was asked to share his thoughts on the insider’s resignation from The Athletic.

However, the Patriots coach decided to dodge answering this question.

“I appreciate and respect every single question,” Vrabel said. “But I’m not going to be able to comment on anything as it relates to that. I appreciate your job and what you guys have got to do, but I have to make my comments and what I answer about our football team.”

The NFL has also come forward to state that it will not review and investigate the Vrabel and Russini situation.