Latest developments
- Casemiro has attracted interest from Besiktas.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his midfield.
- The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 11.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Local outlet report on Casemiro
Manchester United spent all winter trying to part ways with Casemiro and now Besiktas have expressed interest in acquiring his services. It is understood that the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have “intensified their efforts” to sign the 32-year-old midfielder.
Local outlet A Spor (via Turkish Football) have made this major claim. Transfer windows in England and other major European leagues have slammed shut but Turkish clubs can do business until Tuesday.
Value (3.5/5): United want to clear their wage bill
Casemiro is valued at just around £10 million by Transfermartk. United's asking price remains unknown but it's tough to see them demanding a significantly higher fee than his current market value. Instead, multiple reports have suggested the Red Devils' priority is to trim their wage bill by parting ways with their highest-earning player, who takes home around £350,000-a-week.
Suitability (3/5): Experience for Solskjaer
Gedson Fernandes has been a promising figure in the middle of the park for Besiktas but the Eagles have struggled to find a reliable midfield partner for the Portuguese. The veteran Brazilian might have become too slow for the Premier League but in Turkey, he could still make good use of his vast experience and positional awareness to improve Solskjaer's midfield.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Al-Musrati replacement
Al-Musrati have partnered Fernandes in the double pivot at Besiktas. Should Solskjaer manage to secure Casemiro's services, the Norwegian is likely to put the Libyan star on the bench as he has failed to deliver solid performances on a regular basis.
Logic (3.5/5): Search for minutes
Casemiro has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim, who has preferred to hand minutes to Toby Collyer over the ex-Real Madrid superstar. As such, it would be best for the Brazil international to push for an exit and show his skill sets in a different league, more suited to his declining physique.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
United appear open to selling Casemiro but his wage demands could prove to be a big hurdle for Besiktas. Not a straightforward pursuit!
