Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is reportedly keen on signing Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka this summer, according to CaughtOffside.
United are expected to bolster their midfield when the transfer window opens with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte tipped to depart Old Trafford.
Casemiro, Ugarte set to leave
Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the season, and it’s already been confirmed that the Brazilian will leave the club, four years after joining from Real Madrid.
Ugarte, meanwhile, has found playing time hard to come by in his second season in Manchester having joined from PSG in 2024.
The Uruguayan has been linked with a move away from the Manchester powerhouse for some time, and was tipped to leave in January.
United set for European return
United are on the cusp of a Champions League return following their 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday night, a result that leaves them 10 points clear of the Blues in sixth.
And with a fifth-placed finish enough to secure a Champions League spot, United are well placed to return to Europe’s elite club competition.
As such, Carrick is unlikely to sanction the departures of the two midfielders with replacements lined up.
United have been linked with a move for Atalanta star Ederson, the Brazilian also on Arsenal’s radar.
Tanaka shone in Leeds win over United
And Tanaka is another that has emerged as a potential target for United with the Japanese star struggling for minutes at Leeds.
The 27-year-old has made just nine league starts for the Yorkshire side this season, though one of those came in Leeds’ recent 2-1 win at United.
Tanaka then played the full 90 in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wolves as Leeds strive to stave off relegation.
Even so, the Japan international is expected to depart Elland Road this summer and his preference is to remain in the Premier League.
Newcastle and Everton have also been credited with an interest in Tanaka, though he’d likely favour a move to United even if he would be restricted to a squad role.
