Potential Casemiro replacement has now made contract decision after summer links to Man United

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Manchester United monitored several midfield targets over the summer in an attempt to find a long-term successor to Casemiro.

Casemiro ended up staying put at Old Trafford this summer despite transfer links to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The Red Devils wanted to sell the Brazilian midfielder over the summer but there were a lack of willing buyers and Fabrizio Romano revealed that a move to Saudi collapsed after the Al-Ittihad president resigned.

Casemiro’s performances have continued to decline this season and Manchester United will need to source a replacement sooner rather than later.

Manuel Ugarte arrived on deadline day in a £42m deal to strengthen United’s midfield, but after selling Scott McTominay to Napoli there is a growing feeling that another midfield signing will be needed.

United kept a keen eye on Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani over the summer, and he has now made a decision on his future.

Kristjan Asllani makes contract decision

According to Italian outlet InterLive, United were interested in a move for Asllani over the summer and explored a potential swap deal with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Of course, Wan-Bissaka ended up making a £15m move to West Ham, but Asllani remained as a potential replacement for Casemiro.

READ MORE: Who is Kristjan Asllani? Man United interested in swap deal for star who takes corners with both feet

However, just weeks after he was linked to United, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has now decided to renew his contract with Inter.

Asllani has extended his stay with the Italian club until 2028, essentially ending United’s chances of landing the Albania international.

Inter Milan hailed Asllani as an “exemplary professional” in their contract announcement.

Man United must target midfielder next summer

Not only is Casemiro likely to leave, but it looks as though the 2024/25 season will be Christian Eriksen’s last in a United shirt.

Losing both players would seriously dent United’s squad depth, and both are also experienced players and leaders in the dressing room.

READ MORE: French press make bizarre Man Utd four-year contract offer claim over World Cup finalist

Ugarte looks as though he will be a great addition to the squad after his perfect debut against Southampton on the weekend, but United will desperately need more midfield depth behind him and Kobbie Mainoo next summer.

Ineos plan to make three major signings in 2025 and a midfielder should be at the very top of their shopping list.