Manchester United plan to return strongly for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez following a hamstring injury for Casemiro this month.
Casemiro suffered the setback during the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle United and he could be out of action until the New Year.
There is no guarantee that he will immediately return to first-team action and Estadio Deportivo claim that manager Erik ten Hag wants a new holding midfielder.
At the moment, Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay can fill the void, but the Dutchman has urged the hierarchy to pursue the services of Rodriguez.
The World Cup winner will enter the final six months of his Betis contract in January. He could be available for ‘well below’ his €80 million release clause.
Meanwhile, Estadio Deportivo claim that Rodriguez turned down a move over the summer as he and his partner wanted their child to be born in Seville.
It is unclear whether his stance will chance in January, but United are ‘pushing hard financially’ to convince him into a mid-season move to the club.
Rodriguez could be signed if Casemiro’s recovery is delayed
Casemiro recently returned to action after a swollen ankle, only to suffer a hamstring injury. He suffered the setback before the half-time whistle versus the Magpies.
United have not revealed an exact timescale for his comeback, but the above report hints that the midfielder may not be available to play until the turn of the year.
If the Brazilian does not recover in time, United could enter the winter market for a new holding midfielder. Rodriguez would be a good acquisition for the club.
The Argentine has impressed with his ball control from the centre of the park. This season, he has a passing accuracy of 89 per cent with more than five recoveries per game.
The midfielder has won 1.4 tackles and 3.9 duels per outing with 1.4 clearances. He is vastly experienced at 29 years of age and could be available for a small transfer fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
