The possibility of Real Madrid's Casemiro making the move to Manchester United is looking ever-more likely and the question now begs: what shirt number will he wear at the club?
Following United's disappointing start to the Premier League campaign under Erik ten Hag, the need for a midfield signing became even more crucial than it seemed beforehand.
Frenkie de Jong was the number one choice, but after troubles getting that deal closed, United have moved to other personnel.
Adrien Rabiot was a target for Ten Hag's side and a deal was agreed with Juventus for the midfielder.
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However, the Reds were unable to come to positive conclusion with the player's agent on personal terms, which led to a collapse in negotiations.
Since then, the interest in Casemiro has emerged and developments have been made in a similar way to the earlier acquisition of Tyrell Malacia in the summer.
The Real Madrid midfielder wants to make the move to Old Trafford, and now a financial agreement needs to be found.
Reports from Charlotte Dunker and Paul Joyce of The Times say that the 30-year-old will cost in the region of Β£60 million and that he will get a significant upgrade on his current contract (Β£9 million per year) as well as being offered a long-term deal at the club.
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It seems like this will be a transfer that gets over the line and United fans are excited about what the five-time Champions League winner can add to their depleted midfield.
Whilst there is a possibility that he is added to the squad before the Liverpool game on Monday, it seems more likely that his debut will come against Southampton on the following weekend.
What shirt number could Casemiro take at United?
Whilst the Brazilian currently wears the number 14 at Madrid, and has done since 2015, Christian Eriksen took that after he signed at Old Trafford last month.
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He has also wore the number six shirt during a spell at FC Porto in 2014/15, but Lisandro Martinez is another new signing that has taken that number at United.
The midfielder has also wore no.8, no.18, no.28 and no.38 during periods of his career, and has often been seen sporting the no.5 for his country. Four of those are currently occupied at Old Trafford. The no.18 is free after Bruno Fernandes changed to no.8 following Juan Mata leaving the club.
There are also other shirt numbers available for the deep midfielder, however. No.15 is one, after Andreas Pereira's departure from the club this summer.
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The no.21 is also unused. It appeared that it could've been the number that De Jong would take, but his signing is now all the more unlikely.
Whilst there are not many other notable numbers available, the south American could also choose from no.30 to 32.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics:Β Manchester United, Real Madrid, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Casemiro, Premier League, Football
