Manchester United will reportedly focus their midfielder search away from Manuel Ugarte (Image: Getty)
Manchester United will reportedly turn their midfield focus away from Manuel Ugarte and on to other targets in the remaining month of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are said to be unwilling to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s £51million valuation of the Uruguay star.
Ugarte was one of the players under consideration for the defensive midfield position at Old Trafford. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal from last season has not been made permanent, while there has been widespread concern that Casemiro’s powers are on the wane.
United reportedly held talks with PSG over the potential signing of Ugarte. However, the French club are keen to recoup all of the fee they paid Sporting Lisbon to sign the midfielder 12 months ago.
According to The Athletic, United chiefs will only rekindle their interest in Ugarte if PSG reduce their asking price. It is claimed that the Red Devils are now considering alternative options to help replenish Ten Hag’s options.
Ugarte had strong interest from the Premier League a year ago and was widely reported to have been close to signing for Chelsea. However, he moved from Sporting to PSG after the Ligue 1 champions matched his release clause.
The 22-cap Uruguay international started 21 of PSG’s 34 Ligue 1 matches last season and was mostly used as a late substitute in the Champions League. He would be guaranteed more game at United, where there is a dearth of defensive midfield talent in Ten Hag’s squad.
United have reportedly taken the position that they will only pay what they believe a transfer target is worth and will not allow any negotiations to drag on for the remainder of the transfer window. It is why they walked away from a deal for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite earlier this summer and instead signed Leny Yoro from Lille for £58m.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag would benefit from another midfield addition (Image: Getty)
Ten Hag’s midfield requires surgery over the coming weeks but it is unclear what options are likely to become available. Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after an underwhelming loan spell at Old Trafford, save for his excellent performance in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Casemiro also struggled in his second season and there has been reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. The former Real Madrid star could make way for a new signing.
United have already spent around £90m this summer, acquiring Yoro from Lille and the £34m forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1932441/manchester-united-transfer-psg-manuel-ugarte