Manchester United’s key focus before the summer transfer window closes is signing Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro and a deal between the two clubs is progressing.

Casemiro has given positive indications of his desire to join United, who are willing to make the 30-year-old one of their top earners.

A United delegation travelled to Madrid earlier this week for talks. At present no agreement has been reached with Real Madrid or the player — but talks are advancing and United would be unlikely to dedicate so much time to the move if they did not think it was achievable.

Casemiro is one of Real Madrid’s best-paid squad members and United are believed to be making a competitive offer, including significant performance-related incentives, which would put him among their top earners.

Reports that he stands to double his salary at Old Trafford, however, are thought to be wide of the mark.

United are known to be attracted to Casemiro’s character and professionalism, as well as his elite pedigree as a defensive midfielder. He is said to see a huge professional challenge in adding the Premier League to his already glittering personal resume.