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Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
With Casemiro’s performances declining with age and Sofyan Amrabat’s future at the club undecided, Man United are in need of a holding midfielder who can dictate the flow of play alongside the promising Kobbie Mainoo.
Last month, PSG’s Ugarte emerged as a target, with The Peoples Person relaying news that United tabled a bid for Ugarte to PSG which the French club swiftly rejected.
It was claimed earlier this month that United and PSG are coming closer together to strike a deal for Ugarte, particularly since the Uruguayan doubted his ability to build a promising future in France.
Journalist David Ornstein disagreed with such reports, however, claiming that United’s pursuit of Ugarte is not as far along as some media claims suggested.
Yesterday, it was reported that United may be considering a loan move for Ugarte that would limit the club’s spending as it continues to pursue other transfers.
Still, it appears as if United have not entirely ruled out the possibility of a permanent move, with the club amping up efforts to sign Ugarte over the past week.
“Talks between the two clubs are said to have been taking place for several weeks now, with the French outfit wanting to recoup close to the €60 million they paid for him 12 months ago,” GIVEMESPORT reported today. The article claimed that United would look to pay closer to €40 million for Ugarte.
“Thus, the north-west club are set to step up their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, with conversations taking place over a deal earlier this week. The midfielder is understood to be ‘keen’ on the move, having fallen out of favour under Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes,” the report continued.
Sky Sports confirmed United’s intent, reporting: “Dialogue is open with Paris Saint-Germain over midfielder Manuel Ugarte.”
Should United manage to reach a deal with PSG, Ugarte will prove to be a relatively affordable central midfield option compared to the club’s other targets. Benfica appear poised to accept a €70 million fee for Joao Neves, while the player’s €120 million release clause appears excessive given United’s limited transfer funds.
With the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already on their way to Old Trafford, Ugarte would help to advance Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s squad rebuild to help United compete for silverware next season.
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