Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester United despite suggestions that he could extend his contract at the Bernabeu. The Brazil international has emerged as an influential player under manager Zinedine Zidane, and he has already made 12 starts for the European champions in all competitions.

According to Diario Gol, Jose Mourinho is eyeing an ambitious attempt to pursue the enforcer, who he sees as the perfect foil to Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in a three-man midfield. United have endured a difficult situation this term with the likes of Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick out through injuries, and this has left them short in the centre of the park with just Matic and Ander Herrera to rely upon.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also said to be keen to prise away the former Porto star from Madrid as they seek to reunite with fellow compatriots Neymar, Dani Alves, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva - all of whom are key first-team players at Parc des Princes. Despite the speculation, Los Blancos are in the process of negotiating a fresh deal with Casemiro, which would extend his stay beyond the summer of 2021. Since the departure of Xabi Alonso, Casemiro has pretty much owned the holding midfield role, and he is now regarded as one of the first names in Zidane's teamsheet.

Los Blancos have already extended deals for the likes of Isco and Karim Benzema, and the manager has made it clear to keep his current squad intact while adding young recruits, who could make an influence for the first-team in the long-term. Real Madrid are already five points behind leaders Barcelona, and they potentially face must-win games until December 23, where Ernesto Valverde's visit the Bernabeu. Before all that, the reigning champions make the trip to Catalonia to take on newcomers Girona this weekend.