Roma launch shock move for Man United veteran after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim… but major obstacle stands in Italians’ way

Roma have expressed an interest in signing Casemiro on loan from Manchester United before the transfer deadline.

It’s understood that the Italians are exploring the possibility of a deal for the Brazil star if they sell Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, and Casemiro is said to be open to the move.

Roma’s interest in Casemiro is thought to be tentative at this stage and United are not looking to move him, so the likelihood remains that he will stay at Old Trafford for the rest of the season.

The 32-year-old is United’s top earner on £375,000-a-week and his salary would be an obstacle in any discussions. Casemiro’s situation is similar to Marcus Rashford in that United would have to subsidise his wages if he joined another club for the rest of the season.

The former Real Madrid star was a key figure under Erik ten Hag but has fallen down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, spending the last six games on the bench as an unused substitute.

In recent matches, Amorim has added young Toby Collyer to a pool of midfielders that include Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen.

Casemiro left, is United’s top earner on £375,000-a-week and his salary would be an obstacle

Claudio Ranieri’s side could move for Casemiro if they can sell midfielder Leandro Paredes

Speaking about Casemiro’s absence before Sunday’s win at Fulham, Amorim said: ‘He has to have the characteristics and then I have to choose the player with characteristics that I see for the game. So it’s just that.

‘I have to make some choices. I want to play a style of game that is sometimes different from other coaches and I have to choose based on that, that’s all.’

Meanwhile, talks between United and Lecce are progressing over a move for Patrick Dorgu but a fee has yet to be agreed with United refusing to go above £30million for the Denmark left-back.