Man United transfer news: Red Devils to use Zirkzee to secure Casemiro replacement?

Manchester United are in the market for at least one midfielder this summer, and a move could be facilitated by an unwanted player in Joshua Zirkzee.

Despite some speculation over a possible extension, Casemiro will leave Manchester United as a free agent at the end of the season. It is a significant departure for the Red Devils, who had already made midfield reinforcement their primary objective for the summer window. Two new central midfielders could arrive at Old Trafford this summer.

Several names have been linked in recent months — Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton among them — but all are expensive and hotly contested. In mid-March, TuttoSport also reported that United had revived their interest in Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder, who appears increasingly likely to leave Atalanta this summer, is valued at just £26m, a very attractive proposition for the Red Devils. That story has resurfaced after TuttoAtalanta revealed that Atalanta are very interested in signing Zirkzee.

Atalanta eye Zirkzee as United reignite Ederson interest

Valued at just under £26m, the Dutch striker — who has been little more than a bit-part player at Old Trafford — is also expected to leave this summer. The Mirror has floated the idea of a swap deal between Atalanta and Manchester United involving Ederson and Zirkzee. It is worth noting that Atletico Madrid are also very keen on the Brazilian midfielder, while the former Bologna forward has additionally been linked with Juventus, Roma and Como.

A swap deal of this kind would be difficult to execute. Such arrangements are rare, requiring all four parties to be in agreement and to see clear benefit. If the deal were to materialise, Ederson — who thrives in a central midfield or No. 6 role — could go some way to filling the void left by Casemiro's confirmed departure.