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Manchester United are reportedly in danger of falling behind in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, despite having held discussions in recent weeks over a potential transfer to Old Trafford, according to a fresh report.

Casado, a defensive midfielder known for his all-round ability, progressed through Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy before becoming an integral part of Hansi Flick’s first-team setup during the 2024/25 season.

The 22-year-old Spaniard is admired for his tireless work rate, sharp defensive awareness, and strong ability to resist opposition pressing. His age and potential for further development make him an appealing option for several top clubs.

However, the Spain international — who narrowly missed out on selection for La Roja’s World Cup squad this month — has found himself slipping down Flick’s pecking order this campaign.

As a result, Barcelona are open to a possible sale, with the Catalan club keen to raise substantial funds this summer to refresh Flick’s attacking options.

The club has already agreed a £70 million deal with Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon, and negotiations continue over a major move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford’s future remains unresolved, with Manchester United refusing to alter their £26 million buy-out clause.

To finance this ambitious transfer strategy, Barcelona may need to sanction several departures, and Casado is considered a prime candidate. The Barcelona-born midfielder has attracted attention from multiple clubs, including Manchester United, who are among those competing for his signature.

According to TEAMtalk, United have “explored the possibility” of bringing Casado to Old Trafford and have held talks recently to assess the feasibility of a deal.

Premier League sides Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest have also conducted similar “conversations regarding the midfielder’s situation” over the past month, while Chelsea remain long-term admirers.

Despite the widespread interest, none of these clubs have yet made a “formal offer,” paving the way for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco to take the initiative.

“We understand Monaco have made the most decisive move to date and are now working to complete a deal worth in excess of £20 million,” the report continues.

“Sources have indicated that the French club are increasingly confident of securing Casado’s signature, with the player himself keen on a move that would provide consistent first-team opportunities.”

Time is running out for Manchester United if they wish to reignite discussions and pursue Casado, although a late swoop cannot be ruled out should Monaco’s bid remain the main competition. The Spaniard represents an affordable, high-upside option with an excellent mindset and scope for growth.

However, his relatively small stature — standing at just 5’7″ — could be a factor in United’s hesitation, as the physically demanding nature of the Premier League, with its emphasis on set-pieces, can be unforgiving for smaller midfielders.