United, Real Madrid set to collide for World Cup-winning midfielder who is available for a mere €15m – report

The midfield duo of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro worked really well in tandem as Manchester United thrashed Leicester City 3-0 on Sunday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy had a difficult job steadying the ship after Erik ten Hag’s disastrous start to the current campaign with reports of dressing room rifts rife with plenty of big-name stars underperforming.

But not under the former striker as Casemiro roared back into form while regular minutes to Ugarte has brought out the Uruguayan’s combative self.

But Ruben Amorim is set to take over, and the Portuguese has his own ideas of working and his plan includes a high-energy midfield combination.

Midfield reinforcements

While the 23-year-old Uruguay international has played under the former Sporting Lisbon boss, the Brazilian could struggle with plenty tipping Kobbie Mainoo to partner Ugarte once he regains fitness.

Surprisingly, Fichajes have revealed that the Red Devils are eyeing a January move for former two-time Premier League champion N’Golo Kanté, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ittihad.

The World Cup winner is 33 currently, and while his powers have diminished, his signing still appeals to both the Red Devils and Real Madrid.

He remains a part of the French national team and even played at the Euros and the Saudi club are open to moving him on for a mere €15 million, which makes the former Chelsea star a bargain purchase, keeping in mind United’s injury record.

“The name of N’Golo Kanté is once again taking centre stage. The French midfielder, who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, could be one of the biggest names in the winter transfer market, with Real Madrid and Manchester United interested in signing him.

Real vs United for Kante

“Kanté, renowned for his outstanding performance over the past decade, shined again at Euro 2024 after overcoming a period of absence due to injury. At 33, the 2018 World Cup winner proved to be in top form, earning the trust of Didier Deschamps and this return to top form has revived the interest of top European clubs.

“Al-Ittihad initially asked for around 20 million euros for his transfer, a high figure for many clubs, especially when you also consider his salary of 14 million euros per year. However, the price has dropped to 15 million, which could open the door for his return to Europe.”

Mason Mount has been extremely injury-prone since his switch to Manchester in 2023 while Mainoo needs to be used sparingly in order to maintain peak form.

Whether Kante will have the legs to perform consistently in the English top-flight remains a concern but as a back-up option, the deal could work.

Also with Casemiro’s future up in the air, the France international could be an able like-for-like replacement. His wages are exorbitantly high though, something INEOS will need to deal with and for now, this report needs to be taken with a huge pinch of salt.

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