Not Gareth Bale, Manchester United eyeing surprise bid for Real Madrid midfielder

Brazil international Casemiro has emerged as a surprise winter target for Manchester United. The Red Devils have had their issues in central midfield this term with Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini all sidelined with injuries.

Jose Mourinho has had to cope with just two fit midfielders in Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic this month, and it appears that he is looking for an additional enforcer to provide competition.

According to Diario Gol, the Europa League holders intend to test Real Madrid's resolve with a potential January approach for Casemiro.

However, their effort is likely to be rebuffed by Zinedine Zidane's side, who are presently looking to commit the midfielder to a new long-term deal.

The former Porto man is contracted to the Spanish champions until the summer of 2021, and it is suggested that he has little desire to ply his trade elsewhere next year.

Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League after they beat Tottenham Hotspur by a 1-0 scoreline on Saturday afternoon.