Revealed: Man United could miss out on ‘top’ target after Tottenham deal completed

Atletico Madrid have joined Man United in registering their interest in Barcelona star Marc Casado after Conor Gallagher moved to Tottenham last week.

Casado has emerged from Barcelona‘s La Masia academy to become a regular in their first team over the last 18 months.

The 22-year-old central midfielder has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Barca so far this term, after featuring 36 times under Hansi Flick in 2024-25.

His lack of regular starts have seen new reports emerge of Man United‘s interest in Casado this week, as they target more midfield additions after Casemiro announced that he is set to leave in the summer.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Atletico are now also targeting a move for Casado after Gallagher departed the Spanish capital for Spurs.

Atletico join Man United in Casado pursuit after Gallagher exit

Gallagher left Atletico for Spurs for around £35million on 14 January, leaving Diego Simeone in need of a new midfield signing either this month or in the summer.

Casado could look to leave Barcelona soon, as he aims to regularly start games at the top level, with United potentially set to be beaten to his signature by Atleti after Gallagher’s move.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “We know that Manchester United have made midfield reinforcements a top priority for this year, whether that be in this window, which is unlikely, or the summer window when they could look to bring in reinforcements.

“Casado is a good player, he’s been linked with Premier League clubs in the past. The big thing for him will be what happens with him at Barcelona, and if he’s going to be playing regularly.

“He’s not been a regular this season, I think he has made 10 starts out of the 19 games he has played.

“It is obviously very hard to break into that star-studded Barcelona midfield. He’s still only 22, as well, so has a lot of time to improve.

“I think it would be hard for him to leave his boyhood club, but if he is to leave, I’m sure Manchester United is probably one of those clubs that make Casado think of leaving, in that respect.

“There’s also interest from Atletico Madrid. They’re interested in Casado to replace Conor Gallagher and to help fill the void in their midfield.”

Man United are set to miss out on Noah Sadiki signing in January

Sadiki has been key to Sunderland’s strong form in this campaign, with 17 Premier League starts up to now as they occupy ninth spot in the table.

The 21-year-old recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations to go straight back into Regis Le Bris‘ starting eleven, with United also registering their interest in his services as a result of his impressive performances so far this season.

Despite their interest, sources have revealed to Football Insider that Sunderland have no plans to let Sadiki leave this month or in the summer window as they aim to establish themselves in the top flight.

United are clearly looking to add to their midfield as soon as this season ends, so with Sadiki potentially a non-starter, Casado may well be a smart addition to their ranks, given his lofty potential.

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