REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Manchester United are set to sign midfielder Casemiro.
SunSport exclusively revealed how the Red Devils are closing in on a £60million move for the 30-year-old.
The player has already agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford outfit where he is expected to pocket a whopping £350,000-a-week.
Casemiro trained with his Los Blancos team-mates on Friday morning ahead of the club’s clash against Celta Vigo on Saturday, before saying his goodbyes, according to Fabrizio Romano.
And Ancelotti has stated that he has informed the LaLiga giants of his desire for a new challenge having spent nine years at the Bernabeu.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I have spoken with Casemiro.
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“Casemiro wants to try a new challenge, and I and the club understand that.
“After all, he’s done for this club, we need to respect his decision.
“Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid.”
Ancelotti continued: “Casemiro is leaving but we have a lot of resources to replace him. There is no turning back, Casemiro has decided to try a new challenge.
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“We want to wish him the very best. Just yesterday I realised that Casemiro is leaving, but our plans don’t change – we’ll compete for everything with or without Casemiro.
“I think Casemiro has been a key player for us, he was important to [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric – the combination was key to success.
“Casemiro’s team-mates understand his decision, they respect it – it was his will to try a new challenge and we have to accept it.”
Ancelotti then expressed his confusion as to why the player has decided to swap the Champions League for a team sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
He remarked: “I can’t reply to why Casemiro traded European Champions for a struggling side, it’s his personal decision.”
Casemiro has been allowed to depart with Real able to rely on French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield.
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The ex-Porto loanee departs Real having scooped 18 major trophies including five Champions League titles, while also chipping in with 31 goals in 336 games.
United are hoping to confirm the transfer before Monday’s match with rivals Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams.
