Man Utd plotting £48m winter transfer swoop for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana after rapid Casemiro decline - but will face stiff competition from Barcelona

According to Foot Mercato, the Belgian midfielder, who has garnered widespread acclaim since joining Everton, has emerged as a top transfer target for the Red Devils and Barca. It is believed that United's scouts are keeping a close tab on Onana's performances in the Premier League as manager Erik ten Hag has demanded additional recruitment in midfield with Casemiro being a shadow of his former self amid fitness struggles in the first half of the season.

Barcelona are also keen on Onana and have reportedly established contact with the player's representatives in an attempt to secure his services. The knee injury to Gavi has left Xavi thin on options in midfield and the manager is eager to make a quality addition in January. However, for the cash-strapped Catalan side, Everton's hefty asking price of "around €55m" is deterring them from an immediate pursuit.

United might make the most of Barcelona's delay and consider making an early move for Onana, who they believe could be a valuable addition alongside Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat in the centre of the park.

Despite the interest from top European clubs, it is suggested that Onana is likely to stay at Everton until the end of the season, which may force United boss Erik ten Hag to look elsewhere. The Toffees are in no hurry to part ways with the midfielder as he is tied to a long-term contract until 2027 and his recent performances under Sean Dyche further spur them to hold on to their prized asset.