Casemiro 'close to agreeing deal' with next club ahead of final Man Utd game

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Casemiro is keen on linking up with David Beckham's Inter Miami following the expiry of his contract at Manchester United and is said to be close to agreeing a deal with the MLS franchise.

The Brazil midfielder announced back in January that this would be his final season with United. The 34-year-old, who joined from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70million with add-ons four years ago, bid an emotional farewell to Old Trafford at the weekend in his final home match and has been heavily linked with a move to the United States once United's season concludes this weekend.

Per The Athletic , Casemiro's preference is to join Inter Miami and the club are 'closing in' on an agreement to sign him on a free transfer.

However, the report also outlines an issue with any prospective deal between the two parties is that LA Galaxy actually hold the discovery rights to negotiate a move for the veteran midfielder and have already tabled multiple contract offers to him.

The rule, which gives teams the priority to sign certain players, is in place to prevent MLS clubs from competing for the same high-profile stars.

Previous cases have led to clubs paying compensation for the discovery rights, though neither LA Galaxy or Inter Miami currently have a designated player spot available to accommodate Casemiro.

That means any deal to bring the multi-time Champions League winner to Miami would have to be worth less than $2m (£1.48m) unless one of the club's three designated players leaves. Lionel Messi currently holds one of the spots available to Beckham's team.

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Casemiro could take to the field one more time before his departure when Manchester United travel to Brighton but Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest was his final outing at Old Trafford.

The midfielder shared an emotional statement thanking the club and supporters on social media post-match, which read: "There are places we pass through in life… and there are places that become part of who we are. Manchester will forever be my home.

"To the city, the club, and every supporter, my sincerest thank you. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

"There simply aren't enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we've felt here. Thank you for every cheer, every memory, and for making us feel at home from the very first day. Forever a Red Devil."

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